Beaulieu

We had a fab day out at Beaulieu Motorcycle World yesterday. I took over 70 photos, and can't resist showing you a few of them. These little Hondas are the noisiest bikes. They really scream! This is right at the beginning of the circuit. It was only a small circuit, which included riding round the arena. It was so easy to see everything, and to get really close to everyone and all the bikes.
Here's Sammy Miller and Phil Read, 2 famous riders of the 50s and 60s. Sammy has a motorcycle museum in the New Forest and always takes bikes to meetings like this. Maurice is in total awe of them, and just stands and gazes at them in wonder! His boyhood heroes!!! They must have a great time going to all these country events. They look like really nice blokes, in fact, I was telling my Dad how nice Sammy looks, and he said he met him a couple of times when he was in the motorcycle club in Coventry, and yes, he is a great guy!
Some of the vintage bikes entering the arena. I like this photo becasue of the guy in the front all blurry cos he's going so fast!!!
Phil Read's MV Agusta
Sammy Miller and Phil Read in the arena.
I love the bike at the back. It is an Aerial, and has a beautiful wicker picnic basket on the back! The BSA at the front is ridden by a lady who obviously doesn't like riding fast! (A lady after my own heart)


These 2 pics are the wrong way round. hunky Jason Finn is a trick trail bike rider, and did some fabby stunts includding a stoppy just inches away from his mate Craig's important bits! He then bunny hopped his way around Craig. They both looked absolutely gorgeous in their tight motorcycle outfits, it made my day!!!

EeeeK!

Eeeek! We have mice in the larder. When I went to get a little packet of pretzels (Waitrose low-fat!!) to nibble with my glass of wine last night, they were all open. Lots of little nibble marks ie mice!!! It's not the first time we have had mice in there. Well, I have spent the morning moving everything out, scrubbing it, laying a mouse trap, and putting everything back in. At least it is neat and tidy. One thing I never know what to do with is plastic food containers. I never find one the right size for what I want, and they sit there in a huge untidy pile. I am going to throw them away!!! They are so cheap nowadays, that I can buy more if I ever need any.

DH is watching moto gp, I am on here wondering what to do, the weather is gorgeous. I should go outside but I have a whole pile of ironing to do, and I'd like to do some scrapping.

Spanish

I've been learning Spanish for 3 years at an adult education class. I have been going on a Wednesday 1pm - 3pm, with Maribel as my teacher. Maribel has been a fantastic teacher! She makes the lessons fun, and I have never been bored (which I can get with languages!). This year it has been a particularly great group, I feel as though we have all got on really well! I decided to learn Spanish becasue I know a little bit of German and French (O-level! plus some adult education years ago), but I didn't know any Spanish. After 3 years, I would probably be able to order things in a restaurant or shop, but might have trouble understanding the reply! They talk so quick, and the words seem to meld together into one long mumble.

I decided that I would either give up at the end of this year, or really go for it, and take the GCSE course next year. But I do hate doing homework! I try to fit it in around scrapping and computer. If I did the GCSE I would have to spend a dedicated afternoon or morning to it, but do I want to? Anyway, when Maribel said she was leaving I decided to give up. But then a couple of weeks ago we had Marita, a supply teacher, who was brilliant! Much as I like Maribel, it was exciting to have a different style. So now I don't know what to do......... I quite fancy doing an art course instead, but I'm not sure whether they have the right course for me.

Anyway, we had a fantastic night out last night to a local Spanish restaurant, Capprichio's. We all had tapas, and then coffee. A few had beer, a few had red wine. Of course, I suffered from the rich food, and felt dreadful for a couple of hours this morning, but I made myslef take the dog out, and then felt like toast and coffee. I feel better now, just tired and a bit hazy in the head!

I made Maribel a starbook of Worthing. I loved doing it, I used up all my scraps of Junkitz salsa papers, so it is really bright and zingy! But I felt quite nervous giving it to her, what if she didn't like it? I needn't have worried, becasue she loved it, and so did everyone else in the class! Phew! Here is a pic.

More circle journals

I promised my mail art buddies that I would post this one on my blog. I had trouble uploading photos yesterday, so here goes. This is a scraplift CJ. The owner has included lots of magazine pics for us to scraplift. Each person has to choose the next mag pic to scraplift. I really enjoyed doing this one, getting out all my stamps, stickers, rub-ons, chipboard and there are one or two hand cut!

swaps

I love doing swaps! 2 recent ones were a garden embellishment swap which I hosted and a calendar tag swap. There were some fab things sent in with the garden swap, I was really impressed. I laid them all out on the floor last night and took a photo. There are primas, rub-ons, buttons, ribbons, charms, metal embellies, die cuts, brads, eyelets, stickers. I need to start another project, a garden through the year album. I've taken quite a few photos in May and June, they will have to have 4 pages, Dec and Jan will only have 1 page each! I will use the calendar tags in it I think. We started a calendar tag swap months ago, but the host fell ill, and we didn't hear anything from her for months. Someone else hosted another swap, (becasue some people hadn't sent in their tags,) so I remade my tags for that one. Then the original host sent my tags back to me! So yet another host jumped in, and so I have 2 beautiful sets of calendar tags! It's lovely to see peoples' ideas and work in real life.

My garden in June

Well, I remained fairly well focussed, and did a lot of my list yesterday. I'm going to try and do the mail art this morning before going to lunch with A and S.

I took these pics of my garden yesterday. There is quite a lot of colour at the moment, and the roses have been spectacular this year. The purple clematis is called 'Polish Spirit', so reminds me of my late FIL, who was Polish. It is incredibly abundant, and lasts a very long time! I love it. The gravel path goes all the way round the edge of the garden, (this is the bit we gravelled in half term) then the borders slope down to a sunken lawn. There are steps at each end. These steps look gorgeous coverd in the pink rose petals, but are lethal! They are uneven and very slippery becasue they get gravel on them, and the plants are in the way at the moment, until the rose fades and I can cut it back. I have lots of foxgloves that just reseed themselves wherever each year. I must take a photo like this with drops of water on, I think it will look great!

Lists

I love making lists. It makes me feel really good when I cross things off my list!

Here is my huge long list for today, let's see if I can be focussed and get most of it done:

AIFHS
write to people who have overpaid (4)
banking (means going into Worthing, maybe have coffee, buy a magazine!!)
buy envelopes and send 2 letters from Monday

Garden
plant petunias I bought yesterday
what to do with tomatoes, pepper plants that Mum gave me

Mail art
At the very least, post the ATCs I have already made
catch up on 4 weeks projects!


CJs
finish and post Mj's page
look on wikipedia for ideas for Myths and Legends CJ


Finish Maribels star book

Order dog food (done already!)

Make father's day card
buy father's day presents (DVD of the fastest Indian if it is out yet)

Somerset Lodge, Petworth

Just had to upload these pics of the beautiful garden we went to today. I picked Mum and Dad up at 11.30am, we went to RSPB at Pulborough for lunch, stopped by the craft shop in Wyelvale grden centre (where I spent far too much money considering all I wnated was gold brads!), and then on to the garden at Petworth. WE met Mum and Dad's friends there, and wandered around slowly. When we got to the vegetable garden, the owner started chatting to us, what a lovely man! She does most of the gardening, he does the making of fences, trellis, and all other garden structures. Dad was made up when he let him look in his workshop! Highlights? The vegetable garden, all little tiny plots surrounded by box hedges, and the path lined with old fashioned roses - just the right time of year to see them.

Tuesday evenings

I always feel a bit low on a Tuesday evening. It should be wonderful! I get everyone's tea done early, DS goes to YC and Insight group, DH takes dd dancing and goes to see his mum, and I have all evening to myself, once I've taken Merlin for a walk.

But I can never get motivated to do anything! I'm trying to do a CJ entry tonight. What I really want to do is sit here and chat on the internet! How sad is that. Anyway, I have done some of it, I keep running up and down the stairs for the computer, for the journaling. (Actually it is quotes) I'm going to hand cut a title, and print the rest out on strips of card. Might stamp one of the words.

If there was something good on the telly, I could watch that. But it's only football. WOrld cup.

I don't stop eating either. I keep going to the cupboard for snacks, crisps (they are low fat!), ryvita minis (quite nice but expensive!) or waitrose reduced fat pretzels (really yummy, but in too small a packet, so have to eat at tleast 2 packets!!)

I might go and pour myself a glass of wine, having bought 9 bottles today. And I remembered to put one in the fridge.

Right noone has emailed so I'm going back downstairs to decide what to do handcut title in.

Day out in London

I had to go to London for a training day for the charity I do voluntary work for. What a stinking hot day to have to go!! I caught the 7.50am from West Worthing, not too bad. It wasn't too busy becasue it doesn't get in until after 9am, so I suppose most working people have already gone. Underground to Highbury and Islington, very hot. Then I had to catch a BR train 2 stops to Dalston Kingsland. The train was delayed, so I was late for my training day. Only 15 mins, but I think that was the most relevant 15 mins of the whole day to me!

HQ is not too bad, and the room was quite nice, but far too hot, even with 3 fans. There were lots of people aquashed in which made it hotter. The training was not really relevant to me as a volunteer (eg trade union membership!), but some of it was quite interesting. The other people on the course were really nice, friendly and welcoming, something that must go through the whole of the charity!

Journey home was a bit of a nightmare. UNderground was hotter than ever, and very crowded. I panicked a bit at one point, wondering how I was going to get out of the train as people stood all along the carriage. I waited 1 hour on a hot Victoria station when I realised too late that I could have caught an earlier train to Haywards Heath and changed for Worthing GRRR!

By the time I got home I felt light headed, nauseous (from the motion in the new trains), and incredibly over heated. I got off at Worthing and walked, just to get off the train!

It was incredibly nice to get under a cool shower, and drink a glass of wine. By then, I fancied something to eat, so heated up a WW meal from the freezer. N and L were out, DH was on a conference call, so I had time to relax and chill out.

WE took Merlin for a walk along the beach, and then sat in the conservatory with a bottle of wine. LOVELY!! N came in and sat and chatted to us, which was great. L had a friend to stay, but did come and talk for a bit.

Circle Journals

My Favourite Photo CJ front cover


My entry in Pets CJ belongs to Hollybo UKS


My entry in Beach CJ belongs to Ellsese UKS






My entry in My favourite place CJ belongs to Ladyscrap UKS

My Favourite place CJ belongs to Ladyscrap UKS

I love CJs!! I love scrapping on the small pages, experimenting with different ideas and techniques and seeing other people's work in the flesh.

My first Cj has not long returned to me. It was with UKs and the theme was My Favourite Photo. The work in it is fabulous, and I keep looking at it again and again.

I've not long joined another UKS CJ, this time my theme is Family. Stupidly, I forgot to take a photo of it before I sent it on.

My next CJ is with my team on UKS, the Scrapettes. We are sending each other pages rather than the whole CJ, to save on postage and stop loosing any in the post. Trouble is, we don't get to see anyone else's work in the flesh! My theme this time is 'Garden'

My next CJ is with UK stampers. I am a bit nervous about this one, cos I don't think I'm very good at stamping - I'm still a bit messy. Might have to practise alot!! But, having said that, I am so looking forward to seeing everyone else's work and learning some new techniques. My theme is colours.

hobbies

I've always dabbled in hobbies.

I've done photography, including my own B&W developing, and an advanced photography evening class (full of older men who knew exactly what they were doing!! Me, I was lucky if I loaded the film in properly!) where we had a beautiful model to photograph. We have always kept nice albums, usually one per year, but special holidays have merited their own with a bit more writing and memorabelia.

I've kept diaries in the past, and dabbled with the idea of writing. I enjoy getting to grips with a subject and writing about it as per essays at university.

I've dabbled in sewing. It's along time since I made anything to wear (Probably a baby dress for Lucy!) But I always make my own curtains, and recently have started using the sewing machine for LOs.

I've cross stitched. About the time I had DS and DD, cross stitch was very popular among my friends so I amde lots of cross stitch baby cards, Christmas cards, and samplers. I always prefeered the 'heritage' or 'vintage' look to the 'cute' look. Just recently when I was ill with flu, I caught up on an old project, and Elizabeth Bradley cushion 'Auricula'. It is absolutely gorgeous. The colours are divine, and there are lots of subtle shades. That's why it has taken me so long! It is a winter project though. I have now finished the pattern, and am beginning to stitch the black background. I must have bought it about 10 years ago!

I dabble with my garden. When we lived on the sea front, I spent alot of time researching what would grow in the salty air, and planted the front garden accordingly. When I drive past now, I can see my planting has matured nicely despite the sea winds. Since moving here I have not made the time for gardening. We have ahuge garden here that is quite overwhelming. It was very overgrown when we got here, and it's only now that we are beginning to get it under control. Each time I go out there I am overwhelmed with the enormity of the things that need doing, and consequently can't start anything! I need to break it down into small chunks, and when I do that, I manage to get something done. I love visiting gardens, especially the RHS garden at Wisley, which I managed to get DH to last week. I really want to visit Christopher Lloyd's garden in Kent, and Sissinghurst, and some of the NT houses down in the West Country.

Family History has become a big hobby lately. I volunteered to be part of the committee of the AIFHS, and have done treasurer and now membership. I love being part of the group, and doing the admin side of things. I like the fact I have streamlined the m/s process, kept the letters and emails up to date, and am simplifying for later years. Trouble is, it does take time from researching my own family history. I have found out a lot about the Fumagallis , since Giovanni (paternal GGgrandfathercame to England in the 1870s. I have tried to come forward from him, with quite a bit of success. Recently another of his descendants joined the society so more present day Fumagallis. I have also researched quite a bit on the Vanstone side (maternal grandfather), and have found a huge amount by contacting others on the internet. And I love researching WW1 and grandad's experiences. I recently started a heritage album (combining 2 hobbies) of Grandad with his photos from the early 1900s.

I love to read. I try and read each night in bed for 30 mins or so. I chat with others on the internet to get ideas about what to read, and have read some fab books lately. Some of the Richard and Judy books have been good. I'm currently reading 'A Short History of Tractors in the Ukranian' by Maria Lewyckya. It is absolutley hilariuos!! But that could be becasue I knew an East European old man (FIL), who was Polish, but had the same turn of phrase as the old man in the book. Makes me read it out loud to DH (much to his annoyance if he is trying to read too), and laugh out loud!

I always come on here thinking I'll just write a little bit and spend ages, and write ahuge long missive! Who on earth would want to read it? So i will leave my biggest and best hobby to another time -SCRAPBOOKING.

week off work

Dh had last week off work as holiday. It was the kids half term holiday. Actually, we didn't do anything with them all week! But we are pleased because we got some jobs done.

DH and DS put down gravel on the path, a job that has been waiting to be done since last summer, when we put down the old carpets to stop the weeds growing through. It looks fab now! But it ha made the other side look a bit thin, so we really need another load of gravel to top dress the other side and the back.

Another job was painting the kitchen. We had a new floor put down earlier in the year, and we weren't too sure whether the yellow really went with it. Also, they don't so that yellow anymore, and there was only 1 coat on the wall where the boiler was replaced. So we decided to go pale cream, and it looks fab too!

I also took DS out shopping for new clothes, 3 new pairs of trousers, new trainers new pants and socks. He likes to have the same as he had before, not a man who likes change!

We had our day out on the bike. DH had to take the BMW in to the garage in Guidford for some tweaking, so we went to Wisley for the day, and then on to Guildford cathedral. Very nice until we got to the garage and they hadn't done all the work M wanted doing. So we waited in the ****** garage for 1 hour for his 'man' to come and explain!!! We took N and L out for a meal to 'La Difference', a place we used to like going to 20 years ago. WEll, the food was OK, and very cheap, but it was like walking into your granny's front room, and full of old people!!! Not quite your hip, cool and innit place teenagers like.

And we saw MIL for her birthday, and my mum and dad on Monday.

All in all a great week!!!

(But..... I am pleased to be back to normal now, spending time on here catching up and doing my housework and AIFHS stuff!! Boy, I am a person who likes routine really!)

MIL's birthday

It was MILs 85th birthday yesterday. DH decided it would be a good idea to take her out for lunch. But she really doesn't like going out for lunch! I suggested fish and chips in her flat. At first, she wanted to go out. Then she said oh no, she'd rather have chips. Then right on the morning of her b/day, she said she would go out, maybe to the Roundstone or Oystercatcher. R&J had been to the oystercatcher, so I think that took her fancy. We arrived a bit late about 12.30, becasue we had been for a walk up to Cissbury and not woken Lucy, so she was still in bed at 11!! After quite a bit of faffing about (OMG, I'm sure to be like that when I get old!!), we drove to O/C, not very far actually. DH went in to see how busy, not too bad, let's go in. As soon as we walked in, I could tell she wasn't going to like it!! It was quite dark, and reasonably busy, but not noisy. There were a lot of children (it is half-term). DH and L went to find a table, but I could tell MIL was very uncomfortable. We left without even sitting down! We drove back to Littlehampton, and parked right outside the chip shop. DH went in to order, but they are so slow!! MIL and I went for a short walk along the river. Fish and chips were good, nice and fresh, but it was gone 2.30pm by the time we ate them!! WE were starving, and consequently ate them a bit quick (Out of the paper, MIL insisted on having hers on aplate, more faffing about!) They laid a bit heavy for the rest of the day.

DH says he's taking lessons, so that he can be that bad when he gets older!! I don't think our kids will be so accommodating.

Bank Holiday weekend

It's the end of May bh weekend. I love all the little bits and poeces of holiday we get around now, Easter, early May and now end of May. The end of May is a particularly nice time of year because everything is growing so enthusiastically. My garden is looking very lush and green, especially as we've had a bit of rain lately. Highdown where I like to take the dog is looking great, long grass dotted with buttercups. Here is a photo I took yesterday morning.

It's still not very warm though! It's just poured down, more like April showers.

I did loads of gardening yesterday, planted my pots for the patio, and the corner that we cleared several weeks ago. Boy was I stiff this morning though! A good walk along Ferring seafront fixed that. It was Chelsea Flower Show this week. I'm very tempted to go next year. It suddenly occured to me that I could go without Mum and Dad! I always do garden shows, gardens and garden centres with them, never anyone else! I would post a picture of my garden, but I've accidently deleted it before uploading, woops! I'll have to take some more.

Mum and Dad came for as cup of tea this afternoon. Dad didn't seem too bad, coughing a bit, and got tired quickly. Lucy is out with Gemma, Nicholas is going out later for bowling. Maybe we should hire another film? We hired 'The Constant Gardener' on Saturday. It was really good- just the right amount of intrigue to keep us watching! Well acted, and filmed. Lovely with a glass of red wine and some Bombay Mix to nibble at!

I've been tagged...

I've been tagged by MJ, so here goes:

5 things in my Fridge:
chillis
old jar of jam
olives
cold meat
milk


5 things in my wardrobe:
trousers
1 dress
jackets
children's christmas stockings
handbags


5 things in my bag:
purse
credit card wallet
diary
phone
lypsyl


5 things in my car:
seats
steering wheel
insurance details
dog blanket
wine carrier

5 things I watch on TV (I don't have skyplus)
Dr Who
New Tricks
Gardeners World
The Apprentice
Last of the Summer Wine

a busy week

This week has been one of those weeks where I have rushed about after everyone else. I had to take my Dad (and Mum) to hammersmith Hospital for his 6 monthly check up on Thursday. They were very nervous about it because Dad has been so unwell lately. He has myeloma, a sort of blood cancer, which can be treated, but never cured, so it keeps coming back. With him being so unwell lately, they thought it had probably come back. Well they did all the tests yesterday and x-rays (it affects his bones), but they won't have the results until next week. It was a very long day for dad, 2 hours driving (M25, A40, yuck), 2 hours waiting in the hospital, and 2.5 hours back. I was knackered!!

Went to see them on Fri am, Dad's very tired, but I think they are glad to get Thursday over. Mum doesn't drive, and they took their car into the garage Wed early am, so I gave them a lift to the garage to pick it up. I think dad can just about drive safely on short journeys!!

Luckily my wonderful friend Sarah made us lunch yesterday! It was lovley, a real oasis of calm!

Been rushing around after DD, getting her from school, and making tea for DD and friend, then getting them off to the theatre for 5pm (4.30 on Tues!) I felt quite good about it, cos I gave them high carb meals to keep them going. M has made her bacon sandwiches when she got back! We went to see the show on Wed, with Mum and dad (Dad had to go out a couple of times becasue of his coughing) It was really really good, with loads of dancers from aged 2 to 18. DD and her group were in loads of dances, probably the most spectacular was Viva Las Vegas. They were dressed like showgirls, with leotards, silver tops, silver high heeled shoes, and a most fantastic huge feather headdress! Wonderful!

I've been working on a heritage LO all week. It's of my Grandad and his mates at training camp in WW1. I've been carefully distressing everything, and I'm pleased with it now. Still needs a couplemore items. Might look on google images in a mo.

I rather hurridly completed a CJ entry this morning, so I could send it off on the deadline. Quite pleased with it in the end. I had been thinking about it all week, planning in my mind, but I should really have done it earlier, and not left it till today!

We are doing a 'page swap' CJ in our UKS team. Looking forward to getting going with that.

A few new stamps came this week from eBay. Butterflies and dragonflies (homemeade - hope they last!), little tiny cute garden themed trio, and some vintage buckles for Sbing!

A windy day!

Just typing in that title reminds me of a Postman Pat story, 'Pat's Windy day'!! I remember Mrs (can't remember her name, had twins, I think) hanging out the washing as it was a good drying day!! I did hang out Nicholas's anorak, and it was drying nicely, and then it rained, and now it's all wet again.

I could hardly stand up on the beach this morning. There was that awful panicky feeling becasue I found it hard to breathe. Stupidly, I walked along eastwards before I got to ther beach, and walking westwards on the beach was virtually impossible. So I walked along to heene Road, and back round the streets. When I got in, the phone rang, and it was DD's school, asking me to pick her up becasue it was likely that she had conjunctivitis. Lucky DD! Being told she MUST go home!! WE stopped off at the chemist and got some ointment.

I took Mum and dad out for lunch. Haven't seen them for a while because of colds and flu and chest infections. They seemed OK, a bit tired, still coughing a bit. They are going to see Michelle go to her prom tonight, so I left them at home about 2 for a rest. Bought some bedding plants at Old Barn. I will have to put them in this weekend.

Scrapped a bit this afternoon, finished off handbags CJ. Managed to persuade DD to do a bit too, but she only managed 1 page before she got bored.

may 16

Rushing around again! Took the dog for a wlk down the beach, it's warming up out there, so had to carry coat and fleecy! Taking DD to drs in a min, then family centre for work, back here for lunch, and off to FC again this afternoon.

DD has dance tonight, and DH not going to his mums, so I'm not sure who is going to take DD and friends!! I need to do my Spanish homework.

Another busy weekend

After 3 Saturdays out on the trot, (New Forest to meet my UKS team, London for SOG Family History fair for AIFHS AGM, and Newbury for a crop), I have a Saturday in!

But, I have to organise for a big dinner tomorrow, 11 to cook for. 2DBILs, 2Nephews and OHs, and us 4. What really p****** me off is that I have to clear away my scrap stuff from the dining room table!! And the Scrapettes have set challenges for those of us not going to Bonanza. I really love challenges, and want to have a go. So I'm leaving the scrap clearing until late tonight so I might have an hour later.

R & J are coming from Scotland via Bournemouth, some sort of reunion. But they haven't told us when they are coming to Worthing/Littlehampton. So they don't know what time lunch is, and J has been invited to arrive about 11.30am. DD has a big dance rehearsal which starts at 1.45pm, so we have to eat early! I'm starting to feel stressed!

Just off to town with DD for last minute costume stuff and b'day pressie for my friends DD, then shopping at sainsburys, then more dance rehearsals.

We have all got colds!! I spent another night downstairs on the sofa. (I'm feeling especially guilty for not seeing Mum and dad all week, but can't risk Dad getting another chest infection). DH is making the most of it today!! DD and DS not too bad.

After a really gorgeous day yesterday, it is beginning to cloud over now, and is cooler.

Just got back from evening dog walk. The tide was out just enough to show some sand at the bottom of the breakwaters, so Merlin was able to run about a bit. It was a cold wind down on the beach.

Got a bit of a cold at the mo. Not bad enough to make me feel really ill, but enough to stop me being able to see Mum and dad. Dad is just recovering after a nasty chest infection so don't want to give him anything else. He has a bad pain in his leg which could be something to do with coughing, or could be the myeloma coming back. Mum says it's a bit easier today, so maybe it is a trapped nerve caused by coughing, and will get better slowly. Trouble is, it's keeping them awake at night, and they are not able to get out, so are feeling a bit depressed, and frustratingly, I can't help!

Stayed to lunch at the Family Centre today. Pizza and salad. Just trying to work out whether 5 pieces of pizza is allowed on my diet!

Off to tackle Spanish homework. Must do something towards my CJ which is due to be posted on Sat.

oops!

I thought I'd put a link to my blog on my UKS signature. So I wanted to edit a bit of March 31st entry. But now March 31st is not in the right order. Ooops!

March 31st

It was my birthday on Sat. Maurice bought me a watch ( I lost my old one this time last year!), Nicholas a box of chocs and Lucy made a lovley photo frame, and she'd chosen piccies of me for it, and decorated the mount. Mum and Dad bought me new secateurs and scrapbooking papers, Sarah some twiggy lights and a brown vase to put them in, Angela, expensive bath oil. I did some scrapping in the morning, did my CJ entry Pets. M and I went out to Chichester in the afternoon and had a cake. It poured with rain (M says it always does in Chi) . Went to Spotted Cow for dinner with Mum and Dad, it was great. I had soup for starters and then trout.

It was mother's day on Sun. We went to see M's mum, and stayed there too long, cos we waited to see John, who was going for dinner. When we got home, N and L had made a cake, and were going to cook the roast dinner. They did a splendid job, roast lamb, roast potatoes, lots of veg, ohh I forgot, prawn cocktail for starters, and then strudel or cake for pudding. YUM. And they cleared up! Best mother's day pressie I think I've ever had.

This week has been pretty normal. Housework and AIFHS on Mon, work at family centre on Tues (but I'm having the next 2 weeks off), Scrapping and Spanish on Wed (gonna give up Spanish cos Maribel is leaving at the end of the summer term. I want to do something arty), saw M and D for lunch at Old Barn Nurserys at Ashington on Thurs, and have been to Sarah's for coffee this morning, and to Muldoons for lunch with Linda and Margaret.

I ordered a huge parcel from Canny Crafts cos they had free P&P, and 10% off. I ordered several 8 x 8 albums, some bright paper, and TH distress inks. Must have a go with them later. I am hosting my first swap on UKS, prima flowers. I'm pretty laid back, so I really don't mind if it ends up that I put more things in the swap than I get out of it. It's just a bit of fun, well supposed to be. Talking of swaps I received my original calander swaps tags back. She's had them since about Oct! Luckily, someone else is up for hosting yet another ct swap! Otherwise I'm left with 12 July tags!!

It's been a bit quiet on Uks, and I'm dying for ukstampers to really get going. Actually, it has just occured to me that I should post on there myself!

Funny thing happened yesterday! I went to Sainsbury's and realised just as I got to the check out with my full trolley that I didn't have my credit cards. I would have to leave the shopping and come back with the money. But, as luck would have it, I bumped into Sarah L, and she offered to pay for it for me, and I send her a cheque. PHew!!!

Monday morning

Just been for a rather wet doggy walk. Can't complain really as we had a nice drop or two of rain last night. It wasn't really raining when I went out, and not cold or windy so could have been worse. The grass is quite long and Merlin gets very wet underneath !

I've got a lot to do today housework , Family History stuff , Circle Journal to finish

I'm going to start the day by organising my diary on Outlook here on the computer. I keep forgetting appointments (dentist, school govenors' meetings ) so I need desperately to be more organised. I always thought I was quite an organised person, but lately it has all gone to pot . I backed up my file of 2005 photos yesterday, and thought i'd organise them a bit better, but it would take forever! I have several copies of most photos in all sorts of different folders. How did that happen?

I've got a horrible cough that kept me awake all night. I nearly went on UKS at 3am to see if anyone was around!

The warmest day of the year!

What a beautiful morning! The sun is shining, and the air is actually warm. It's the first time this year that the air has felt warm, and there is a lovely smell and feel to the air. Spring is finally here!

I just sat in the garden for 10 mins with a cup of coffee, and saw loads of birds, pigeons, balckbird, great tit, and I can hear loads singing even now as I sit at my computer. I saw butterflies, bees and other flying insects. Fab!

Took Merlin for a walk along Ferring beach today. I couldn't decide whether to wear my coat, but decided to take it anyway, and pockets are useful for poop scoop, bags, treats, keys etc. I was glad I had it on becasue there was quite a strong breeze along the beach. Here are some photos:

Must tell you about my night out last night! DD went to a teen disco in Brighton (at the Event II for those who know it!) , and so we decided to have anight out in Brighton too. I was a bit worried about what we would do for 4 hours (7 -11) so looked at the cinema listings, nothing there we fancied, so DH decided to book a concert. Well, it was a Spanish jazz guitarist! Not my thing at all! I got a bit worried when the theatre started to fill up with some very intellectual looking people! I must admit he played fantastically well, but so fast, and so frantic!! It was like flamenco guitar at 100mph, with lots of guitar slapping in between. There was an Indian man playing the bongos who really didn't sound like he was in time with the 2 guitars!! Actually I really didn't enjoy it at all!! It finished just after 10, so we walked around a bit and found a little pub, (loads of lovley little pubs in Brighton), but it was a student pub, we felt like we were their parents!!DD and her friend really enjoyed the disco, there were hundreds of 14/15 year olds all queuing up outside in tiny short denim skirts and strappy tops, all looking exactly the same (DD and her friend too!) Luckliy they already had tickets, so they went straight in.But that's 2 post-midnight nights this week becasue of dd!! It feels like she's a baby again, lack of sleep and all that! She and her friend are still asleep (she has to have a friend to sleepover after a disco so they can talk about it), it's alright for some!Talking of housework girls, I bought a mew mop-head yesterday, and just tried to clean the kitchen floor with it, but it doesn't fit on the handle, so I had to get down on my hands and knees to do it (only becasue it is a new floor!)Looking forward to Easter weekend. I'm a bit annoyed with the kids becasue they are busy most of the weekend, so no family outing / dinner for us, but I have invited some friends round on Sunday evening, and Mum and Dad are coming for lunch on Monday. DS is going to a LAN party all day on Monday, which means 1. he won't be here for lunch, and 2 we have to get up early to take him and computer to the party!!

April 4th

It's been another lovely day. I persuaded Nicholas to come with me for a dog walk, so we didn't go until nearly 10! We walked along the Rife at Ferring, fab weather, lovely birds singing, not too many people, just a few horses out from the disabled riding school. Nicholas really enjoyed it. We came back for a cup of coffee and HCB. Then Nicholas disappeared to the computer and I worked in the garden. I've cleared most of the south facing border. It wasn't too bad once I got going, just a whole load of couch grass and bindweed that I will never get rid of (especially the way I dig it out!) Merlin loved being in the garden with me, chasing birds, squirrels, bees, chewing bits of stick that he nicked off me! He is absolutely whacked now - no need for an evening walk! I am whacked too, and feel a lovely glow on my face from the fresh air. I'll probably have a bath later with that lovely bath oil Anglea gave me for my birthday.

I received 2 parcels today, 1 with 2 bottles of primas for my prima swap, and 1 with bazzill scenic route cardstock, K and CO papers and a daisy punch. (must stop sending money!!) I really need to add up my spending, I can't find the printout I did of paypal, must look for it again. Yesterday I went to the craft shop in Worthing, and guess what? They have refurbished and restocked, and have some scrummy stash! I bought some papers, which I then realised I had ordered with my cardstock!! K and Co life's journey - really like them for my heritage album.

Lucy is skiing in Italy with the school, and texted today to say she has had 3 lessons and is going up a group! There's loads of snow, and she is tired. Glad she is having a great time. I'm getting alot of vicarious pleasure out of her going, no need to go myslef!

M has taken Nicholas off to see his mum. Nicholas hasn't been to see her for ages, and it's best we don't all go at once.

Doing really well with family history. I have been in touch with people on Fumagallis side, descendants of Algernon, and people on Vanstone side who might be able to identify the photo we thought was Edwin and Jane.

Off to do some Spanish, watch create and craft, and might do a bit of scrapping, well at least a bit of stroking stash!!

March 14th

It is Gillian's birthday today. I made some cards but not very happy with them. I am pants at stamping, I get loads of bits of ink in the wrong place! (Maybe someone who doesn't know wouldn't mind!!) I posted pics of them on UKs and got some nice comments, so maybe they are not that bad! I made one for Lene and one for Louise whose birthday pressie I bought. She received it today!

I feel a bit nervous about the mail art stuff that I am sending out. I don't think it is as good as other peoples. I have kind of put off doing some of the lessons because of that. Also, my deco book appears to have gone missing! I am really cross about that, because I have done an entry into everyone elses, and sent it on it's way. Even though I have missed a few lessons, I have particiapted quite well.

I really wanted to do sbing today, but felt I should do AIFHS instead. It seems to take me an age! I can't really get my head around what I am supposed to be doing, becasue I have to do so many things with one piece of paper! Now I have done a bit of Spanish, using the internet which was quite good. And I did a bit extra too. The extra bit was something I knew how to do, so a bit of a confidence builder. I am wondering whether I should try the GCSE next year to make me work harder. I am not really working hard at Spanish atm and I am not getting anywhere with it. Either I give up, or try the GCSE.

Now I am too tired to sb!! I might go downstairs and spend half an hour tidying, and I must make the p/copy sheet about myself. Then I can send it with all my next pieces. But I also need to sort out my photos on here. I think I'll spend a few mins on here, then go downstairs. I will try to get to bed early.

I have been involved a too many swaps lately. I now must not join any more. I am finding that not all that I receive is to my taste, and is a bit of a waste. It would be better to spend the money on something I like myslef!! (Must buy 7 gypsies, distressing inks, more BG paper, more prima flowers!) I'll keep the other bits and bobs for RAKs and such.

Does this all sound a bit down? That is how I am feeling, think it's because I am tired.

March 3rd

Still feeling unwell. I have spent 3 nights on the sofa now. Funnily enough, I do seem to sleep OK once I get off to sleep, 4 maybe 5 hours, but it is very uncomfortable. My neck, back, hips hurt! I took M for a wlk up to Highdown this morning and there was a bit of snow! Only about 2mm, but it was there. I didn't take my camera, because I didn't think there would be any snow, there is none here.

The kitchen floor people came yesterday, but had to screed the bit where the old boiler was, so they are coming back today, hopefully! Bob's boys came and tested the new cooker, so M can easily reconnect it.

I decided we should have a takeaway last night, I have cooked every night even though feeling dreadful, noone has offered to help, Lucy has even had friends round 3 nights! M wasn't too impressed. He thought we should cook, even though I hadn't organised anything, and the cooker is half way out over the kitchen floor! Trouble was Lucy wanted chinese not fish and chips!! So we had chinese, and she did at least cook some rice.

The burglar alarm people have jsut been to service the alarm system.. Embarrassingly, I couldn't remember the number!!

Watched Homes under the Hammer again this morning. It is quite interesting to see what people do with the houses they buy at auction, but the prog is so slow! It is an hour, and could easily be half an hour, becasue they keep going back and telling you stuff again! Evening telly is not so good either. Just celebrity singing duet, and ice dancing where the public have to vote for their favourite. My favourites like Who do you think you are and search and rescue have finished for now. We ought to hire some films, but I haven't felt like going out, and I still don't really.

March 1st

March is roaring in like a lion!! It is soo cold, and it tried to snow again today. LOts of people stuck all over the country in huge snowdrifts. I do wish we could have atiny bit of snow. I want to take photos and do a snow LO!! The weekend weather is not supposed to be any better.

March is also croaking in for me. I have been ill since last Friday, and am really really fed up now. Last night I just couldn't get to sleep, coughing, so I went downstairs at 1am, for a Lemsip and cough medicine. I must have gone to sleep shortly after, cos I woke up to find it getting light, and it was about 6am. I went back upstairs to bed, but didn't go off to sleep again. Feeling very fedup, very lethargic, and generally very poorly. Today is probably the worst day.

But the new cooker arrived today at 4pm, not this morning! I have organised the floor to come tomorrow, so hopefully M can disconnect the old cooker tonight and Bob can come and connect the new one tomorrow.

And I have loads of new stamps!! I did try ot have a go with them today, but couldn't get the enthusiasm, so must practice lots next week, when I WILL feel better, and make loads of ATCs. I posted a query on UKs becasue I don't know how to use the EZ mount. I just need a craft shop nearby that can help with demonstrations etc.

I have finished my Elisabeth Bradley Auricula cross stitch!!! I've probably had it about 10 years!! Just need to do all the balck background now, but at least that is a no brainer.

feb 06

Ohhh I don't seem to have the time to complete this very often. So here is a summary of Feb.

Dog walks, up to Highdown Mondays and Fridays, so as to save on milage in the car. Down the beach if the tide is out, but M has started running up the beach a bit now, so may have to limit to when tide is right out. I do enjoy walking on the beach in winter though. Round to the park about once a week. The people there are very nice, but M doesn't do much, except lick a greyhound to death, or run out of the gate!! Sometimes there is a nice girl with a young doberman, and the 2 dogs play really nicley. They are the same size and play in a similar way.

Half term was 13-17 Feb. I didn't do much with N and L. They came to Mum and dads one afternoon, and I took Lucy and her friends to Crawley shopping. I did quite enjoy it, but I don't have the staying power with shopping anymore. I did find a craft shop, and naughtily spent some money. I bought a Xyron, which is fab, some heritage rub-ons, inks, and a Hero Arts stamp that was reduced. I aslo bought new underwear, a brown cardigan from L Ashley, smal coffee pot, some labels, and other things I can't remember. It was nice to have lots of time to do arty stuff and not have the usual routine of driving here and there to pick them up!

Craft show at Brighton 10th Feb. I took about £100. And spent most of it!! I bought Anna Griffin papers for my heritage scrapbook, lots of stamps, some Stazon ink (which I haven't used yet!), stickers, BG kit, etc. It was good to see lots of things in the flesh, and 'stroke' it all. I wish there were more scrapbooking stalls though.


Scrapbooking. I've tried to concentrate on my 2005 scrapbook, and get most of the mail art projects done. I did all my Paris LOs because there was a competition on UKS an France, so I entered about 5! I did My Kinda Music circle journal, and received Why I love to Scrap, which is even more gorgeous than all the others. I arted up a couple of pages for people's deco books in the mail art group, sent a thank you card to Shimelle, and am making my very first ATCs.


My entry in CJ My Kinda Music

Thank you card for Shimelle. Painted background! Used my new square punch I got from Brighton craft show.



This is my entry in a deco book from Cindy in America. It is all about love at I did it on valentine's day.

An add to and return card I completed for Vicky


A page fro Kristina's deco book. I am really pleased with this.

4th Feb

Just a quick visit, I will try to write a bit more often. I would have liked to go for a nice coffee with M this morning, but ended up going into town with L for new trainers, new lampshade, and valance. All done and dusted, nice and quick. L went to volleyball at 1pm, N was at work all day. I did a bit of finances on excel, trying to complete my analysis of 2005, looking a bit scary!! Then M and I went out to look at new worktops, tiles and cookers for kitchen.

We went to the Six Bells at Lyminster for tea! It was really gorgeous. It was recommended by a man I meet dog walking, he has Barney the bassett hound.

Then we watched the Ice dancing show vote out, and it was big shock, cos John got voted out, who was expected to do really well.

Just going to bed to read The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets. Set in the 1950s, good read. Can't wait to see if they really do fall in love!

Oh and I made some cards today, John, Mark (PhD) and Lynda for birthdays next Tuesday.

31st January

Mum's birthday today. 71 years old!! I made her an altered lunch tin to organise her seeds. I loved making it with some lovely papers, Bo Bunny I think. They were really fresh blues and yellows, and I made the file folder inserts to match. We told her we will take them to Great Dixter in the summer, Christopher Lloyd's garden. We had a bit of a laugh, because dad has painted a picture of Great Dixter, and there in the garden magazine, was exactly the same picture! Only we couldn't remember whereabouts in Muma and Dad's house the painting hangs! On Sunday we found out it was to the left of the bureau. We were all correct that it was in the lounge! Andrew and Lynda paid for Mum and Dad to go to the Ice Show, and Michelle, Isobel, and Lucy went with them. They had a wonderful time! I've just tried ringing Mum but they are not in, must be out gallanvanting!

I went to work at my voluntary job, still loving it. I had supervision with Lucy, which is just looking at my objectives that we drew up in Novemember. Things are going well, all objectives have some work done on them.

Spaghetti with tuna and prawns for tea, it was yummy.

Very, very busy with AIFHS at the moment. It's renewal time and I'm trying to get the system worked out to suit me better. Plus trying to get everyone set up on the Yahoo group.

Lots and lots of scrapping projects this month. I've made 2 lunch tins, 1 paint can, 10 altered address cards, lots of mail art, 1 cj entry, but only 1 slo!!!

January 17th

Routines

Routines are very important to me, it's the way I get things done.

On Monday mornings I clean kitchen floor, (sometimes conservatory and porch as well), bathroom, downstairs toilet, and my basin. Then I vacuum and dust, sometimes the whole house, sometimes just the upstairs, sometimes just the downstairs, depending on what needs doing.

On Tuesday's I do voluntary work at the Family Centre. 10.30 - 12.30 and 2-4.

On Wednesday's I do Spanish class in the afternoon, 1-3. I used to do an exercise class in the morning, but have decided not to continue that for now. (I must put in a time to do Spanish homework, should be Tuesday evening)

On Thursday's I usually see MUm and dad for coffee or lunch, although I do have my hair done on Thursday mornings.

ON Friday's I see Sarah and Angela for coffee.

Christmas 2005

We had the most fab Christmas ever!

On Christmas Eve, Nicholas was working, but playing his clarinet with Dave, so we went to watch at 3.30pm. They were really good. We were dead impressed, and they had collected over £200 for Chestnut Tree Hospice over the week. For tea, we had a noodle thingy that I made, which was very nice, both children sitting down to the table with us. Everyone helped clear up, but then they both went upstairs, Nicholas on computer, Lucy on MSN. I watched TOTP2, mostly Christmas hits. I so love that programme, I used to watch TOTP avidly as a teenager, so it brings back memories. We sorted out presents and stockings quite early, and went to bed about 10.30pm.

On Christmas Day, we were supposed to get up at 7am, but my clock was set wrong, so we didn't get up until 8am. Mad rush to shower, dress, and then open presents.





















After that, we took Merlin for a quick walk round the park, back home to change out of doggy clothes, and we drove over to Andrew and Lynda's for Christmas breakfast (10am). It was really great! We had bacon, fried eggs, hash browns, sausages, toast, croissants, fruit juice and tea. We then went in the lounge and sat and opened presents. I had made mum and dad an album of their golden anniversary year, and couldn't wait for them to see it! WE also got Mum and Dad car seat covers, mum had a bead bag, and dad had car cleaning stuff.


















We came home about 1pm, and sat around drinking tea etc. until the turkey was cooked. We sat down for dinner at 3pm. Turkey, roast potatoes, boiled potatoes, carrots, sprouts, brocolli, sausages, bacon rolls. Mum and Lucy made prawn cocktail for starters, and we had homemade Christmas pudding which we poured brandy over and lit.

WE took Merlin for another walk round the block and Mum and Dad went home about 7pm. We sat and watched telly, had a turkey sandwich, and went to bed about 11pm.


Boxing Day. WEnt to watch Andrew and Izzy swim in the sea. Freezing !!!!




















Afterwards, we went to see Maurice's mum, not the kids, becasue they are both a bit coldy. She gave me some pearls, andfor us all, a huge box of fruit and biscuits etc. YUM! The rest of the day was quiet, we put all our presnets away.

Me Hairdryer, MP3 player, CD (Burt Bacharach), book (Sharon Osbourne), smellies (Sanctuary, body shop, boots), apron, Chanel no 5 talc

Maurice socks (loads!), dressing gown, razor, whiskey (from Harrods), chocks, digital calendar
Both garden vacuum cleaner

Nicholas Roku soundbridge, cycle helmet, pants, chocs, Narnia computer game, door hanger, CDs (2 x Soul Survivor), James Bond claendar

Lucy Sony walkman MP3 player, chocs, thongs, earrings, hunks calendar, CD (Now62), door hanger,

27th DEc
Nicholas is 17!! We gave him a suitcase and a cheque for some computer stuff. John, Mark and Angela came to lunch. I had already made casseroles and froze them, so I made a chicken one as well this morning. Just as well, cos they all went! Made my satsuma and banana tart for pudding. Nick's friend James came about 2 and he stayed the night.

28th
Nicholas had 4 friends round for a LAN party. Lucy went out with friends, so wew ent to Sainsbury's and went out for lunch to the Coach and Horses on A27. Pub could do with a makeover! went into Worthing, but didn't buy anything, but Maurice got one pair of his glasses. Gary came in the evening which was nice.

29th
Took Lucy to the ballet. Swan Lake. But I didn't feel very well during the performance, so we left a bit early. Got home about 10 to 6 as it was! Went to get Katrina and she stayed overnight becasue Claire and Andy were staying a night in a hotel. Watched TV

30th
Woke up not feeling too well, so Maurice took Merlin for a big long walk over Cissbury after dropping Nicholas at work. It was much warmer, but windy and rainy. I was glad to stay in bed! Felt better as the day went on, so we went to Waitrose to do a bit of shopping, dropping Lucy and Katrina in town to get their nails done. Claire and Andy came about 6pm, and we had a great meal (chicken in port, with oranges and figs) Tehy stayed until 10.30pm

31st
I went for walk round Cissbury with M this morning. It was lovley, sunny, but a bit windy. very muddy though. It felt good to go for a long walk, and even better coming back for coffee and Christmas cake! Lucy went out with friends, we had snadwiches for lunch, and I have been on the computer most of the day! Ordered some lunchtins , one for me, one for Sarh's birthday at the end of the month. Off to Nick and Claire's tonight. We've got turkey curry for tea tonight which Maurice made yesterday!

Christmas journal and Security men's do

Here are my entries in my Christmas Journal for days 14 and 15. I actually completed them both this morning, and I'm really pleased with them. I'm loving doing this journal, real quality time to think about Christmas nad the things I enjoy doing is MAGIC!!! The music one is my favourite entry so far, although todays (15th) is pretty good too. I love the BG Blitzen papers. I ordered the pack from Jillybean's scrapyard on Tuesday, and they arrived on Wednesday. How cool is that? This one is called Poinsettia and I love the colours, especially with the green cardstock.











Security Men's Do
WE were invited to the Security men's do at American Express. Last year it was an excellent night out. The food was fabulous, there were plenty of people there and we palyed roulette with pretend chips. We spoke to quite a few people, and had a really great evening.

This year, the food was very disappointing, it was like going into a canteen. We had beef or chicken casserole served out of those awful metal containers that you get in canteens, with only 2 bowls of salad!!! It was quite tasty, but it didn't seem right to go for seconds. (Actually it did me a favour, becasue it meant I didn't eat too much!!) WE played ahorse racing game, which was OK, but we didn't win, and the 2 blokes running it were a right pair. One was gormless Joe, who lolled back in his chair and kept scratching his balls, the one in charge was a very little fat bloke with very scruffy trainers, and a very Essex accent!

The speeches were dreadful! It's always difficult when you don't work there, but these men made it particularly boring!

Today I have a free diary, but loads to do at home. Bet I waste my day! I've started a list, been for a dog walk, and am catching up on here before I start on it. What shall I do first? Post the Christmas cards (involves long queue in PO for stamps), tidy dining room (where to start?), finish putting decorations up (have to tidy dining room first!). No I shall do yesterday and today's Christmas journal entries!!! (At least I won't have tidied all my scrapping stuff away first, and I should stay in this morning in case any parcels come. (WE have ordered a few things from the internet this Christmas.)

Lucy's birthday

This is Lucy with Lucy G and Bec at Pizza Express on the night of her birthday.
Lucy is 14 today. 14 years since we had that gorgeous little girl. She was not a very easy baby, but I was so thrilled to have a daughter. One of each now, a son and a daughter.

Lucy had a digital camera for her burthday, a Canon coolpix that M bought in Gatwick airport on the way out to Phoenix last week. She also had loads of smellies!, ski gloves and hat, Black-Eyed Peas CD, purple throw for her new double bed, sweets. I can't think of anything else.

I am still loving doing my Christmas journal. I must load up some pictures here. I love getting the prompt from Shimelle, thinking about what I am going to do, doing it, and then looking at what everyone else has done. The emails are much less now, about 20 - 30 each time. I can cope with that.

Nearly finished Mum and Dad's album, will probably take it to my crop tomorrow night and finish it then. Need to think up something to say to janet re her CM offer. I should not and must not appear to be interested in selling it! I really want to get away from CM, it's just that it's the only stash I see in real life at the moment!

Christmas journal 3rd December

I should keep a diary about my Christmas journal. I have done 3 pages. Introduction, which is written on a piece of red card and surrounded by small pieces of BG Blitzen. It made me think about why I want to do the journal. Mainly trying to capture the warm, cosy, magicla feeling of Christmas. Page 2 was a snowflake. I cut it out from light blue paper and stuck it on black card. It looks good. I added some sticker snowflakes, journalled in a spiral in the middle, which I love, and a bit of pink glitter, cos I haven't got any silver. My third page was on cards. Not so pleased with it. I amde a small version of the style of card I'm making this year, and cut up a card from Mum and Dad, cos they are the nicest we get, and a card from Ken and Lily that I particularly liked. But being a light blue background, it doesn't look warm and cosy! I have done lots of journaling though, which I like. Hopefully it will get me into a better way of journalling on my scrapbboking layouts.