The Balancing Kiwi

Sunday Book Review - The English German Girl

2012-01-29T19:51:00.000Z

This book intrigued me, having read various books, mainly non-fiction about the World War Two Holocaust, I realised that I hadn’t really read a book specifically about the Kindertransport. Although this is fiction, it draws on many factual events and people and there has obviously been a lot of research put into the writing of this novel. It follows the story of a 15 year old girl Rosa as she travels on the Kindertransport from Berlin to England and the trials and stress that lead up to the transport, the journey and her time in England. The prejudices she and others faced, as well as the courageous people who put their own lives at risk to help. It is a thoughtful and heartfelt read as you follow her journey. She writes of her struggles, love and heartbreak and also the challenges she faces as she works hard to learn the English language, a new way of life as well as her attempts to get work visas for her family. You share in her preparations for the arrival of her younger sister, and the trauma of war breaking out and the closing of the boarders which meant her family were then unable to make it out of Berlin. Rosie decides to undertake nursing training, something she had always hoped to do, as her father was a doctor and as such the book also gives insight into the nursing practices and training of the time which is very interesting. Jake Wallis Simons writes sensitively with good insight into this subject and I really enjoyed his style of writing. A book well worth a read.

Thursday Quilting - Badges on Blanket

2012-01-26T18:04:00.000Z

I asked my older son if he would like me to make him a quilt, he said no, he just wanted his scout badges sewn onto his scouting blanket. Fair enough.

Not planned, just randomly sewn. Looks quite good I think.

Saturday Quilting

2012-01-21T16:50:00.000Z

Today was our monthly Saturday quilting group.

I finished the top of my nine-square block quilt. I just need to find some fabric for the boarders, binding and backing.

I also cut out all the butterflies, wavy lines, and blocks for my butterfly wall quilt.

Just the appliqué and sewing up to do now.

I can't remember if I showed this quilt top when I finished it just before Christmas. It too is waiting on some fabric for the boarder, binding and backing.

So all in all a rather productive day.

Thursday Quilting

2012-01-20T09:30:00.000Z

Thursday Girls Quilting Group yesterday and I continued working on my nine patch blocks. I wasn't originally going to make this quilt with just nine patch blocks, but with a few um, shall we say, hiccups along the way, I decided that it would be just a simple blocking together of the blocks after all.

The blocks have now been sewn into strips ready for sewing together on Saturday. Will have to find some backing and binding now, but that will have to wait.

Duloxetine & Lidocaine Infusion

2012-01-18T18:50:00.000Z

Very quiet at the home of The Balancing Kiwi at the moment. I cut my medication down on Friday by 50% as was just too tired and lethargic all the time. The first couple of days I felt quite good, but things have been getting worse and now I am in lots of pain, (areas that I'd forgotten about are now hurting again), so I'm guessing it was making a difference after all so will be upping the dose back up again tomorrow morning and I will just have to put up with being dull, tired and boring, but at least pain free. Just hope that eventually my body and brain will get used to the fog, and it will start to clear.

Obviously the Lidocaine Infusion I had on 6th January didn't do anything.

For some photos of a few things I have managed to do you can visit my Doll blog Sewing for Sasha.

As for my tidying and decluttering, I either don't feel like doing because I am tired and unmotivated, or I hurt too much to do it! Still what's new?!

Sunday Book Review - War Horse

2012-01-15T18:51:00.000Z

I'm probably one of the last to read this, although it has been on my to read list for a long time. I think we have it in book form but it has been packed away so I downloaded it onto my kindle. Just a short and simple review today.

Being both a book about horses, one in particular and the first World War which I have a particular interest in, having lost my great grandfather in it, this was a book I was looking forward to reading. Plus the film is coming out/is out, so I definitely had to read it!

It didn't disappoint, was well written, through the eyes of the horse, observationally wise, but not in the way that the horse actually speaks which would belittle the subject and be rather silly. It follows the adventures of a horse called Joey from when he is first being sold as a foal at an auction, through to him being sold to the Cavalry for the war effort. The journey takes the horse from Devon, to France and into enemy hands. It is an easy read, being first and foremost a book for children, but this does not mean that it can't be enjoyed by adults as well. Michael Morpurgo writes in a sensitive style, clearly writing about the atrocities of war, and brings awareness to the reader that it wasn't just the tragic human loss of life, but also animals as well, in particular horses. However, we are also treated to the caring attitudes of both sides involved in the war as well as the stupidity and lunacy of it.

A particularly touching part of the book is when Joey is stuck in no-man's land and both sides draw a truce to rescue the horse, with an English soldier and a German soldier discussing who was going to rescue the horse, decided by a simple toss of the coin. They also discuss, how ludicrous it was that once the horse had reached safety they would again be trying to kill each other and the sheer waste of life.

Wonderful story well worth the read.

Frosty

2012-01-14T10:26:00.000Z

Today I am determined to do some sewing. I have failed badly on my attempts listed last weekend, apart from Monday. I have decided to decrease my medication after speaking to the doctor as it really is hopeless wanting to sleep all the time. So I went down to my sewing studio earlier this morning and turned the heating on as it is sooo cold down there. While outside I took some photographs of the frost on various plants etc... I am just about to go and get the carrots, bran and ready grass for the guinea pigs and then I can go and spend the rest of the morning blissfully sewing I hope.

Hope you all have a good weekend.

WIPs - Part One

2012-01-09T17:08:00.000Z

Now for some of my WIPs that I hope to complete this year.

From this pattern book I began knitting this pattern:

In February last year! I made quite good progress and then just stopped.

The back and part of one sleeve made, I will start with completing this jumper first.

Next up...I'm ashamed to say I started this pattern TWO years ago...

I bought it at the Alexander Palace Knitting Show and in my defence the wool is horrible to knit with as it keeps splitting so I think that is part the reason progress has been exceedingly slow.

I thought I would work on this one once I'd finished the first.

Next up is a dishcloth I started knitting. I am quite quick at knitting these, but for some reason must have stopped part the way through...trouble is I can't remember what pattern I was knitting on it, so I have to either find it, or just make something else up as I go along.

I do have a few other knitting WIPs but these are the three I am going to work on first.

Sunday Book Review - In the Midst of Life

2012-01-08T19:53:00.000Z

I have read all by one of Jennifer Worth’s books and have found her to be an excellent writer, drawing on her own experiences as a nurse and midwife in the early 50s. Fascinating reading with wonderful stories of the people she has met and nursed during her nursing career. Her love and enthusiasm of nursing and compassion for people comes through in her writing, definitely an author in my mind worth reading. My Dad and I have similar tastes in reading and although her books are quite different to a lot we read, Dad agreed with my thoughts on the books and has enjoyed them as much as me.

In the Midst of Life, wasn’t what I was expecting and I’m not sure I would have read the book if I had initially known what it was about as I didn’t read the blurb, I just bought it (downloaded it onto my new Kindle), knowing that Jennifer Worth writes so well. I tend to avoid subjects about death like the plague and have always had a fear of it. Even as a child I would refuse to go into a cemetery, and would even hide in the foot well of the car if we drove past one, or certainly look the other way when I was older. As an adult I have overcome this fear somewhat and have been known to visit the odd cemetery now and again, and have taken an interest in the history of graves etc… However, I still don’t like to talk of such things, so it was quite unusual to find me actually reading a book on death and finding it interesting and dare I say possibly enjoyable. Not sure if enjoyable is the right word, but it is certainly worth a read.

Jennifer draws on her own experiences of nursing people in their final days, from pre-World Wars, the fifties and sixties and also from interviews, letters, friendships and research up until when the book was published in 2010. It broaches all sorts of subjects and the way in which people died then and now. She writes about how these people are treated, the changes in approach to death, medication and intervention and the implications of these. There is a lot to think about and challenge the reader that is for sure. Much is written on how nowadays with the medical profession being so scared of litigation, the sometimes what seems to be completely unnecessary and quite often disturbing intervention. (My husband and I have first hand experience of this when his grandmother died a couple of years ago and how the emergency services ‘had to attempt resuscitation’ despite the fact that she well over 90, and had been dead for at least 20 minutes before they arrived!) Combine this with the general populations fear of death and wanting to prolong life as much as is possible, the ramifications that this causes for the patient as well as for family and those that nurse and treat the patient, really makes one think.

Included are four Appendices at the back of the book, and these too make fascinating reading and could certainly be worthy subjects to debate and think about.

For anyone interested in this subject, and looking for an interesting and challenging read, then I highly recommend this book and author. You may want to read some of her other books first though! These are:

Call the Midwife

Tales from the Workhouse

Farewell to the East End

Eczema and Food Allergy – The Hidden Cause?: My Story

Time for some Action & Achievement

2012-01-08T10:07:00.001Z

I've been sleeping a lot of late, that and doing a bit of reading and knitting is about all I've been managing to do and of course this needs to change considerably if I am actually going to achieve anything. So I've also been doing a little thinking, not a lot as I surely do not want to exert myself too much! ;-) Having just booked my ticket Thursday evening to go and visit my parents again end of February and through March, I realised I really only have six weeks before I go to get the house organised, neat and tidy for Mark and the boys. Plus other things I would also like to achieve, one of which is completing my Open University Course and assignment before the end of the month! So making myself comfortable pen and notebook in hand I started planning a timetable for myself, not a list as such, but an actual daily timetable. Sounds rather rigid I know, but unless I actually do something like this, I can see myself still not achieving anything. I think while I am feeling like I am, (a side effect of the medication I am sure), then I need a real kick start and something to guide me and to adhere to.

My motto is 'Without Challenge, there is no Achievement' so that is what I need to do, start challenging myself.

First of all I made a daily list of things to do,

A weekly list of activities and other things that need doing/completing.

A declutter/tidy/organise room list....I have six weeks, so broke this down into six key areas that need attention.

I then timetabled my day in hourly sections, starting at 6am and finishing at 10pm. I am hoping by starting the day at 6 am again I will be able to sleep better at night as I am really struggling at the moment with sleep, and yet pre-medication which started in December I had established a really good sleep pattern at long last, so I'm rather disappointed this has been broken.

Activities and chores were broken down into half hourly and hourly 'chunks'.

Into these sections I hope to incorporate completing my WIP's of which I have rather a few!

I have timetabled in my physio exercises, walking the dogs and my daily rebounding which I haven't done since Christmas as there was no room with the Christmas tree to set my trampoline up each morning.

I have mixed pleasure with chores, so have included time to read, knit and sew as well as the time needed to study, do housework and of course the de-cluttering exercise I'm hoping to achieve.

I will be spending far less time on the computer as well as it has been eating into my time far too much, so I am limiting it considerably and planning my time more wisely. I am hoping to do a weekly book review, on a Sunday for my blog and of course write about various things that interest me as usual.

I have written out my timetable now, just need to draw it up neatly and hey presto I will be ready to start bright and early Monday morning.

The early bird...as they say!

Most Used Appliances in my Kitchen

2012-01-03T12:54:00.000Z

Two of the most used appliances in my kitchen are my juicer and blender. They get used everyday to make a healthy and sustaining drink.

I really can't imagine being without them now, although it is still a faff to wash them up...but I have a routine now and I wash up before I drink my smoothie, and then I can sit and relax and drink it, knowing that I don't have the washing up to do afterwards.

I didn't use them daily over the Christmas period so it is good to be back into the daily juicing.

Today's juice consists of:

Three apples,

Three small carrots

Chunk of cucumber

Chunk of courgette

About a third of a pineapple,

Handful of Spinach

Stalk of a broccoli

I juice all these and then put them in the blender with:

Half an advocado

Two manky bananas

Blend!

Result: A very tasty filling drink.

I've been working on a list of goals/challenges to do this year, but it is slow process as I think...

~*~

Health Update: The next is for my benefit really, a diary of sorts of how I am getting on with the pain management.

I've been struggling with bad headaches/migraines for the last few weeks, and difficulty with focussing on any task on hand as a result of the new medication which seems to be plaguing me with side effects that don't want to wear off. The headaches started when I started the medication on 25th November and have got progressively worse since increasing the dosage on 8th December. The side effects include clenching of the jaw, tiredness, but not being able to sleep very well at night, no motivation, as well as my vision being blurry at times. Is it helping the pain? Difficult to say as I'm not really wanting to do much, sleeping a lot of the time, doing some reading and a little knitting. My arm still hurts, but not as bad as sometimes, but then as I said I'm not really doing anything. So time will tell. I really want to come of the Cymbalta/Duloxetine, but suppose I ought to give it a bit longer yet. I will speak to my consultant at the Pain Management Clinic on Friday when I go for my Lidocaine Infusion to see what he says.

New Years Eve!

2011-12-31T16:48:00.000Z

I had planned to do a big post on 2011 in review and wishing everyone a Happy New Year, but not felt the best today so I will just like to say:

Happy New Year's Eve everyone, stay safe and have a good evening whatever you might be doing and all the best for the New Year, may it be happy and healthy.

Christmas Gifts

2011-12-27T16:04:00.000Z

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas & Boxing Day. We certainly did, no stress, just an enjoyable day was had by all. I was very lucky and got some lovely gifts.

Christmas presents received.

and my Wedding Anniversary Present

I hope everyone else had a lovely time.

Will catch up with more in depth blogging next week.

Happy Anniversary

2011-12-21T14:09:00.000Z

Happy Anniversary to my lovely husband

I awoke to find a lovely bunch of roses on the kitchen table.

We had the most amazing wedding, getting married in Comlongon Castle in Scotland, 14 years ago today.

I made a deep green velvet cloak lined with a gorgeous shimmering lining to wear over my wedding dress anticipation of the cool weather.

We had a horse and carriage, a piper, and a traditional jazz band, it really was a magical time. We also honeymooned in the castle over the Christmas period as it was 'closed' for a few days so we had it all to ourselves. I think we were really lucky to get married there when we did. Everything worked out perfect, from the hairdresser, the flowers, the cake, the photographers (I will never forget the fun we had with them 'tickity boo') and the wonderful minister Reverend Lauri Dennison, who really went out of his way to provide a very special service using words we had written ourselves and including our son Steven.

A Pause in Advent - 4

2011-12-18T17:45:00.000Z

The final Pause in Advent has arrived, next Sunday Christmas Day will have arrived and we will be enjoying the company of family. On Christmas Day we walk round to my MIL's and spend the day with her and her partner, our Aunt and Uncle come round in the evening. We enjoy a lovely day together.

We decided to have real tree for the first time ever this year.

Mark & I chose it on Friday and we have been decorating it and the house this weekend.

It is starting to feel very festive.

With just a few gifts left to purchase during the week.

Some of the lovely tree decorations I have been given and collected over the last few years. I'm sure my various friends will recognise the decorations they have given me in the past. My most recent decorations are a set of musical notes and symbols from my friend Nichola who I stayed with in Germany in September this year. She saw them in a market and thought of me. I am really thrilled with them, they are indeed perfect.

A mix of vintage, modern, wooden that we first bought together and handmade by DS1 & DS2

The last of the cards and packages are ready to be sent tomorrow morning after yoga. I can well imagine the queue in the post office tomorrow...something I am NOT looking forward to.

Wishing everyone a lovely calm and peaceful week and safe travelling for all those who are visiting friends and relatives.

A Day out in London

2011-12-16T11:55:00.000Z

Gorgeous looking cakes in a shop window.

Scrumptious

The stage set of Phantom of the Opera - fabulous! We both really enjoyed the performance.

Strolling round London after the show we admired all the lovely Christmas lights.

Arrived home shattered, but happy after a lovely day out.

Some snowfall during the night and early this morning

Christmas Swap

2011-12-12T20:16:00.000Z

I haven't taken part in many swaps this year having got slightly overwhelmed by all the commitment last year and also due to arranging a couple of Sasha Swaps. However, one I did do was the Shabby Chic Cafe Christmas Swap. One gift...Yes, I could do that okay and knew exactly what I was going to make having made a couple last year.

In progress...

Finished!

A centre piece for the Christmas table.

A Pause in Advent - 3

2011-12-11T21:06:00.000Z

There really has been a lot of Pausing going on here, especially today, having spent most of it asleep, part in fact due to the increase in medication, but hopefully these side effects will wear off soon as I really need to start some Christmas preparations in earnest tomorrow. There is only so much pausing one can do without time passing by too quickly, however, it is good to take time out sometimes to just be and rest in readiness of what needs to be done. So not an especially thoughtful post, but deep thinking is beyond me at the moment while my body and mind adjusts to the dosage, in the hope that I will have a pain free Christmas.

I have three Christmas plates which are now out displayed on the dressers, and one colour changing snowman on display which is the extent of our decorations so far. This time last year we had all the decorations up, but then we were also having a special visitor to stay for a few days, my friend's daughter Michelle from Australia. Has it really been a year since she was here?

He is rather cute snowman, a happy little soul, changing colours from red to green to blue to purple.

I have a pretty exciting week ahead. Visiting friends for a Christmas lunch, an evening Christmas party with quilting friends and something I have been wanting to do for the last twenty years, Mark and I are going to see Phantom of the Opera for our Wedding Anniversary. So looking forward to it.

Magnificent Sunset

2011-12-10T17:47:00.000Z

Sultana Scone Recipe

2011-12-07T17:46:00.000Z

I received a comment yesterday saying What? No recipe? :) so thought I'd better remedy that...

Although I have to confess to my mixing being rather haphazard, everything gets 'chucked' into my trusty...

Twenty Odd year old Food processor.

3 cups plain flour

(I usually use 2 cups plain & 1 cup wholemeal. Yesterday I didn't have enough plain or wholemeal flour so also used gluten free in the mix)

6 teaspoons baking powder

50g butter

1/4 tsp salt

Mix these ingredients together in food processor until resembles fine bread crumbs.

Add the sultanas, I just add whatever amount I feel like, no measuring here (they do get chopped up somewhat, but I can't be bothered doing the mixing by hand)

In a measuring cup I put one egg and then top up to 1 & 1/4 cups milk.

Add to mix while food processor is going until the mixture is dough like.

Turn out on a floured work surface. Flatten with hand, cut with either round cookie cutter, can use a knife if wish or a glass...whatever is to hand.

Bake in hot oven 220 C (Gas Mark 7) for 10 - 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serve with jam and clotted cream and a cup of your favourite brew.

I freeze the scones and then get out one a day for either morning or afternoon tea and reheat in an oven for about 12 minutes. Yummy!

Tea & Scones

2011-12-06T16:27:00.000Z

Brrr...freezing today.

Guinea pigs cleaned out first thing early this morning.

Then a freshen up with a lovely warm shower and hair wash.

Baking mid-morning - Sultana Scones

A walk down the road to post a couple of parcels.

Cream Tea in the afternoon.

A little sewing late afternoon

Now time to snuggle in, think about getting dinner ready, and a spot of knitting this evening.

A Pause in Advent - 2

2011-12-04T18:37:00.000Z

A Pause indeed, although due to postal deadlines of Monday 5th December, the pressure has been on slightly this weekend.

Family Christmas letter written ready to be posted tomorrow along with the cards for those in New Zealand and Australia.

Some Christmas gifts were ordered last night from Photobox after much playing round trying to decide which photographs to use.

'Annie' the treadle Singer sewing machine has been moved to the sewing studio to allow room for the Christmas Tree...and tidying up and 'shuffling' round has begun.

A few decorations have started to make their appearance, a LED Sparkling Snowman and three Christmas plates...

I found this poem today and thought it was quite good - I'm not ready for Christmas yet and want to keep it away until Christmas Day.

I Will Keep Christmas

I will keep Christmas in the cold hedgerow,

With red, shining holly and winter snow.

I will keep Christmas far from any town

On the frosted side of the windswept down.

Stars will be candles of sweet silver fire,

Swinging at midnight over tree and spire,

Waves will be booming bells and break the air,

With glory and greeting and winged prayer.

I will keep Christmas alone and away,

Praising the Lord of all on Christmas Day.

P.A. Ropes from The Book of a Thousand Poems for the Young and the Very Young. That's me! ;-)

Thursday Quilting & Ongoing Pain Saga

2011-12-01T16:48:00.000Z

Thursday Girls Quilting group today, I wasn't sure what I was going to do so thought I might as well continue working on my Dazzle Quilt (for want of a better name for it at the moment). Much to my surprise I was further along with the blocks than I thought and I managed to finish the last six blocks and get it sewn together. I could have perhaps planned the patterning better, but I think on a whole it is 'so busy' that I can get away with how it looks. So just need to work on the borders, then wadding and backing ready for quilting.

I am making slow and steady progress on a little jumper I am knitting for 'Henry', my Gregor Sasha doll. I can only manage a few rows at a time before my arm hurts too much, but am on the homeward stress, with just the top of a sleeve to finish, the collar and of course sewing it up.

I had an interesting consultation with the doctor at the Pain Management Clinic in London on Wednesday. He was very thorough and listened to everything I had to say. He did some tests and yes, there is an significant hypersensitivity on the right side as well as a fluctuating pulse on my right side as well, so perhaps still some form of compression...from scar tissue? He admitted that it (neuropathic/nerve pain) is going to be difficult to treat, but he does have a couple of treatments for me to try and I am booked in for one for sometime in the New Year...there is a waiting list again unfortunately. He has suggested I try a Lidocaine Infusion (intravenously) which may give relief for several days, to several months...of course I am hoping for the several months, so we will see. Just wish I didn't have to wait. If that doesn't work then they can try a Ketamine Infusion. It is nice to know that there is still some hope for treatment out there, but in all honesty I really think my playing days are over. I think it is highly unlikely I am ever going to be able to perform and play like I was pre-decompression surgery for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. I think the damage done is just too much and to play just reinforces the pain signals that the nerves react to.

I'm seriously thinking of selling my saxophones and just keeping the clarinet in the hope that if I am eventually pain free, I can do a little clarinet playing. It is all so difficult to know just what is the right thing to do.

This time three years ago, I was so hopeful that I would be playing again pain free in the New Year after the operation...

Golden Glow

2011-11-30T16:12:00.000Z

I glanced out the window this morning and was struck by the glow of sunlight on the remaining golden leaves reluctant to release their grasp on the Cherry tree.

A Pause in Advent Week 1

2011-11-27T20:35:00.000Z

The first Sunday in Advent has arrived already,

so soon it seems to me,

should we hurry and stress?

Or take time to reflect on what this means

Let’s take time to pause,

Time to think

Reflecting on the year

And the season we are in

Whether religious or not,

Whatever our beliefs and customs

This period shouldn’t be full of rush and stress

But instead we should be thankful, honest and good

To our family and friends, all we hold dear,

But spare a smile or too for others as well

You will see what that smile will do

It will ease a frown or a troubled mind

Even if just for a moment or two.

Relax, be calm, take a step back from the madness

Focus on those little things that make it all special,

Homebaking, a cuddle, a family film, snuggling under a warm blanket

Cherish these times and don't get caught up in the chaos of the commercial machine.

Pause for Advent...

An Announcement.

2011-11-26T12:46:00.000Z

So proud of my husband who has been working unimaginable hours these last few weeks. His dedication has paid off!

HIARCS has just won the 2011 World Chess Software Championship in Tilburg, The Netherlands. It went through the whole tournament undefeated and was able to defeat all its main rivals including Deep Junior and Shredder to win the title outright.

This tournament was held on equal computer hardware so each chess software entry was under equal conditions.

This is HIARCS' fifth World Championship title.

In the World Computer Chess Championship held at the same time on unlimited hardware (super-computers) Deep Junior won the 2011 title with HIARCS second a half point behind.

HIARCS went through both tournaments undefeated, a great achievement.

HIARCS and Deep Junior are available on PC and Mac from www.hiarcs.com

Space Quilt Ta daa!

2011-11-24T16:53:00.001Z

The Space Quilt I have made for DS2 for Christmas is finished. It has a lovely soft fleece fabric for the backing so should be lovely on his bead and great to snuggle up in.

Annie's belt has been sized and fitted and she has had a good clean up, oil and lubrication and sews lovely. Once you get your legs co-ordinated to work the treadle she flows lovely and smoothly.

Yummy Cake!

2011-11-22T15:15:00.000Z

An early start to the day today, washing done, ironing done and the guinea pigs cleaned out. This then left the rest of the morning to try a new receipe found on my friend Nichola's blog. I had been wanting to try this for a little while but needed to order the coconut flour from the health food shop. Gluten & wheat free, there is a lot of healthy goodness crammed into this cake.

Windfall Cake

Ready to go in the oven.

Like most cakes that I cook in my oven, it took at least twice as long to cook as the recipe said.

Have I had a slice yet? You bet I have and it is delicious! Now just need to tell the boys it is super healthy and hopefully they won't eat it ;-) Thank you for a great recipe Nichola! Anyone wanting to try it, you can find the recipe here.

While cooking I was able to spend a little time in the sewing studio, until my back became too sore to continue, so now sitting with some heated wheaty packs on it.

Annie's belt arrived today and I have fitted it. I will spend tomorrow oiling and servicing her and then will hopefully see how she sews.

Hexagon Flowers & Ongoing Decluttering Progress.

2011-11-21T16:44:00.000Z

All 22 hexagon flowers received so far...

I originally specified two colour schemes...blue with yellow centres & purple with pink centres...I am now thinking I am going to change to just blue with yellow centres, as those are the ones I have the most of so far, although not by a lot, but I do like that colour scheme. Blue for the sky, yellow for the lovely sun. Something not seen today that is for sure!

Did some more work on the Tidy and 30 Day Declutter today...working on the 'HUGE MESS' which is our bedroom...

Boredom set in very quickly, but the inside of my wardrobe has been organised and I have another load of items for charity.

2 pairs curtains

2 jumpers

1 coat

1 dress

2 skirts

1 blouse

1 bag

1 cardigan

Plus the bag of 20 odd magazines on Saturday (which I will count as a modest 1 item, or am I being unfair to myself?)

I also have a couple of skirts in the 'not sure' pile.

I have reached a total of 24 items out.

During the process I discovered I really do have rather an excessive amount of bags...will tackle those and be ruthless when I am feeling able ;-) But let's face it, do I REALLY need that many? After all, you can only sensibly use one at a time, having perhaps a couple of others for that special or different occasion, season etc... Not sure how many I have, wasn't brave enough to count them today!

Hexagon Flower update.

2011-11-20T19:38:00.000Z

An update of the hexagon flower swap I take part in.

Gorgeous hexie flowers from Simone in Croatia.

October Hexie flowers made by me were sent last week to Canada

Next, these arrived yesterday from Kris in USA

I really love the fabric she made them from...

December flowers arrived from Hanne in Denmark early...one organised lady!

Hopefully the hexagon flowers I am making for my November swap partner will be ready to post this week.

I must lay out all the flowers received so far and take a photo of them.

Meet Annie

2011-11-19T12:47:00.000Z

Back in January Val of Bella Bag Blog, found here, wrote the following post 'A Lovely Old Lady' please do click on it and go and read it before continuing as it is definitely worth a read and relates the story of a Singer Sewing Machine her grandmother bought in the 1920s.

Well at the beginning of the week I had a lovely email from Val, right out of the blue. I hadn't heard from her from sometime so was delighted to see I had an email from her. Goodness though, what an unexpected gesture though. She wanted to know if I would like to have 'Annie', her grandmother's gorgeous treadle sewing machine. Well I really didn't need to think twice did I? Although have to confess to feeling rather anxious at how I would explain away another sewing machine to my very patient and understanding husband...who turned out to be just that, and agreed we must give Annie a home!

I'm not sure where she will go yet, but I have a few ideas.

I wasn't expected Val to deliver her so quickly though and today 'Annie' arrived in all her glory and so is currently in temporary accommodation in the front of my dresser in our lounge.

I just love the Lotus decal design, and had admired photos of these lovely machines on the web.

I'd also of course admired this machine on Val's blog back in January, never ever expecting that one day she would be mine!

Isn't it wonderful?

She dates from 23rd January 1923, when a run of 60,000 of these machines 66K were made.

I think I will spend the afternoon, cleaning, oiling and polishing her, awaiting the arrival of her new belt that Val needs to send on to me. Hopefully it will arrive early next week as I want to put her through her paces!

Thank you so much Val (and your son J) for dropping her off here today.

Such a lovely pick me up when I am feeling especially sore today. Must have been all the rushing round with a vacuum cleaner yesterday! ;-)

I really will treasure her.

Nature and a 30 Day Declutter Update

2011-11-17T16:27:00.000Z

Only a couple of photos from the garden today, as I'd like to say I've been far too busy tidying and decluttering today...and whilst I have been working away at it, I'm not really too sure how much I've actually achieved...Seems I keep finding other things to do, or get distracted...

I think this rose has fluff from our rough collie caught around it. I didn't notice until after the photo was taken.

I love the richness of the colour in these rose leaves.

Now back to the:

How am I getting on?

Well this is quite a challenge indeed...I think I am a slow learner in this whole housekeeping, tidying, decluttering department...but hey at least I am trying, that has surely got to count for something?

14^th November

Two coats to charity shop

Two trousers to charity shop

Book on China to charity shop

16th November

Listed tea cup candles and other goodies in my Folksy Shop,

so can't count them as gone, but who knows? At least the effort has been made to try and sell them.

17^th November

Three dolls sold on ebay - posted

One doll to charity shop

One boys shirt to charity shop

Looking for new homes...

Poor ol' Archibald von Lines is fed up with waiting for me to restore him, he wants someone who won't just ignore him...

As much as I like this tea trolley, it needs to go to make way for a new treasure that is arriving on Saturday...will tell more soon, in the meantime I will have to keep you all in suspense!

A load of Patchwork and Quilting magazines has been sorted through... I am happy to give these away, but as I found out when I offered a Magazine Giveaway a while back, the postage overseas is really prohibitive.

Turns out I already have the Miss Read 'News from Thrush Green' (with a different cover) that I picked up at the CS on Monday, so if anyone would like it please let me know.

A bag of rubbish - not sure this really counts as an item, as it really was just rubbish!

Something I'm keeping is this wonderful retro look coffee jug I bought for one euro while in Germany staying with my friend. I just love it, and fortunately so does my husband. So it is a keeper.

Oh a a picture of yesterday's lunch.

Chopped fresh vegetables, butternut squash, sprouts, courgette, red pepper, onion and mushroom, lightly fried in a touch of Olive Oil and some beaten eggs.

A yummy omelet.

Yup, not raw, but hopefully healthy enough! Certainly very tasty.

Ongoing Pain Saga

2011-11-16T21:08:00.001Z

On and on and on it goes,

why and how nobody knows,

what to do is the question it seems,

when the nerves want to do as they please

To burn, and tingle and ache
From the shoulder to the tips of the fingers

Continuous pain of varying degrees

Depending on the action the arm takes.

The current theory is they have learnt a behaviour,

once learnt they don't want to stop

sending pain signals and reacting to any slight movement

that resembles the time when compressed

Perhaps a little scar tissue has formed

Causing a memory of the compression remembered

How to unlearn this behaviour is the key,

But one that is very difficult indeed.

Three long years it has been

So how long will it take to go

Try taking more drugs is the answer it seems

Give it a whirl - if it works stay on them a year

And hope...

Hope that the nerves forget what it was like

and no longer cause pain that endures.

In the meantime I still have the Chiari Malformation, which may or may not be causing some of my symptoms, but not the main pain in my arm, according to the neurologist, who doesn't think surgery will be the solution. 50/50 chance - not good enough for me I'm afraid. As I don't suffer the strain/pressure headaches which is the main symptom of Chiari then he thinks that I will probably remain asymptomatic...but at least I know what to look out for if it gets worse.

So no further on. I am thrilled of course that all my blood tests were clear and that there is no sign of MS or other problems with the brain, that is brilliant news. However, I am frustrated that I am still no closer to having a solution. I got quite upset in the neurologists office. I explained that I am unable to work, even half an hour's teaching recorder causes more pain! There is no way I could hold down a job of any description. Driving effects me, well I've said it all before, everything does! So learn to live with it? Isn't that what I have been doing for the last three plus years??? My love of playing and teaching is looking further and further away from being a possibility and makes me feel so sad.

Yes I can try the duloxetine/cymbalta...starting with a lower dose this time to try and minimise the side effects and gradually building up to maximum dose to see if they stop the pain. If they do I stay on them for a year...if they don't work, well who knows? Perhaps the Pain Management Clinic will have more ideas....although isn't that what I've been doing for the last three years managing the pain??

So Chronic Pain = no work = no income = untidy house = no music = unhappy me

However, there is also much good to appreciate.

I am otherwise healthy and fit

I have a lovely family and pets

I have other things I can do to enjoy, albeit in small 'bites'

I have wonderful supportive friends who I have met since blogging

And those things make me Happy :-)

My folksy Shop Goods

2011-11-16T16:01:00.000Z

Lot's of items listed in my Folksy Shop 'Sewing for Sasha' today, Tea Cup Candles, Sugar Bowl Candles, Knitwear for Babies, and Clothing for Sasha. A few of which are shown below.

Click here for my Folksy shop

30 Day Declutter Challenge.

2011-11-14T13:30:00.000Z

I saw this on Floss's blog, and as decluttering is at the forefront of my thoughts at the moment and I'm attempting to do such a thing I thought it was well worth a look...So off I trotted, well okay clicked on the button to A Thrifty Mrs to have a look. Yes this looks just the ticket. So to add to the pressure I have decided to join in, starting from today 14th November 2011 and ending 30 days later I will rid myself of 90 items in 30 days. These items will be sold, donated, give to friends or recycled. Whatever, they must go! More details can be found on A Thrifty Mrs blog.

I have added an extra proviso though, not only do I have to get rid of 90 items, but if I bring anything into the house I have to get rid of twice the amount...i.e. one item in, two out...two items in, four out...you get the idea.

So to give you an idea of how I am going so far. I took eight books (actually I think it might have been nine) to the charity shop...oops I bought 4 books though. That is of course the problem with going into Charity Shops...not coming out with anything!

So only at count 1 so far.

I took two items of clothing... but bought one so the count is still at 1.

Rather fun though don't you think?!

I took one pair of shoes to the CS, but can home with a pair of shoes...Oh Dear, not doing too well am I? Will have to add two pairs of shoes to get rid of to my list...

However, I'm sure you will agree though that these were just begging to come home with me.

Brand spanking new and my size, I've never had a pair of Converse before. These were in the men's section in the CS, but fit perfectly.

With my hand knitted socks, they are fun

Mark did say to me at lunch though...

'You are not wearing those up to London are you?'

Of course I am I replied!

So I need to find two pairs of shoes to go...

As well as some other 'clutter' so off I go!

Sunday Walk.

2011-11-13T14:37:00.000Z

I went for ha lovely walk today through the fields'Secret garden' I discovered the other weekend. It was warm and sunny, and made for a perfect hour out in the fresh air.

Most unusually for November I found berries flowering and forming...

they were colouring up nicely.

The sky was a gorgeous blue and the trees so pretty with their autumn leaves falling and carpeting the ground beneath.

More colour along the fence line.

A tumbledown fence

with lichen and rusty hinge.

Not forgetting to look down either to discover the acorns...

cobwebs

and a lone dandelion

Apples on a tree, just ripe for scrumping.

A white down feather.

Ivy growing up a tree

Holly berries...

My bag of apples, some of which have been juiced and are now freezing into ice cubes ready for the smoothie making...

Dancing leaves reflecting the light

Shadows...

A perfect walk and observance of nature at work.

Wigmore Hall: Martin Frost & Roland Pontinen in Concert

2011-11-11T08:59:00.001Z

Well what a fantastic concert it was last night. It really was superb.

Here I am with the wonderful Clarinettist himself, Martin Frost.

I have admired his playing since I first bought the album 'Martin Frost: Clarinet Arias' The Pied Piper of the Opera, in 2000. My favourite track being Der Rattenfanger, ein Hamelner Totentanz, opera: Hamelin - 3 Klanbilder:; No. 3 'Am Calvarienberg' by Wilfried Hiller. The atmosphere he creates in this piece is just absolutely amazing.

Back to last nights concert:

We had brilliant seats in Wigmore Hall, which in itself has amazing décor/architecture.

The programme was as follows:

Martin Frost: Clarinet

Roland Pontinen: Piano

Ernest Chassaun (1855 - 1899)

Andante and Allegro (1881)

Rolf Martinsson (b.1956)

Suite Fantastique (2011, world première)

Carl Maria von Weber (1786 - 1826)

Grand Duo Concertante in Eb Op. 48 (1815 - 16)

Interval

Aleksandr Skryabin (1872 - 1915)

Piano Sonata No. 9 in F Op.68 'Black Mass' (1812 - 13)

Alban Berg (1885 - 1935)

4 pieces for clarinet and piano Op.5 (1913)

Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897)

Clarinet Sonata in Eb Op. 120 No. 2 (1894)

I really couldn't have asked for a better programme. Two of the pieces I played for my Music Degree. The Brahms I played for my first final year recital on 10th January 2006 and the Weber (along with Fantasiestücke Op. 73 for Piano and Clarinet Robert Schumann (1810—1856) ) for my final recital on 22nd May 2006. So I was very excited to hear them played by my favourite clarinettist (besides Benny Goodman who I grew up listening to and was the inspiration behind me wanting to play the clarinet). The performances of both the Grand Duo Concertante and the Clarinet Sonata well and truly lived up to my expectations. The only quibble I have, and it is a small one, is that I felt the piano could have been on half stick instead of full, as at times it overpowered the clarinet's wonderful dynamic range. You really do have to hear Martin Frost play, his dynamic range is incredible, I think he has the most exquisite pianissimo I have ever heard and that was what attracted me to his playing way back in 2000. That and of course his stunning displays of virtuosity which were very evident in the Weber and Martinsson which he seemed very comfortable with indeed.

Roland Pontinen was also very impressive to listen to and it was good to have the Piano Sonata starting off the second half of the programme. Fabulous playing indeed. All the pieces were equally challenging to both Clarinettist and Pianist and especially the Weber and Brahms are noted for their brilliant and at times difficult piano parts, but Pontinen played them stunningly.

I was pleased to see the Alban Berg 4 pieces for clarinet and piano in the programme as I have the sheet music for this and had a go at playing it during my Masters, but I don't really 'get' the style to play, much preferring the Romantic Period for the clarinet. However, that doesn't mean I don't enjoy listening to it, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. Ah, that's how it should be played!

The audience was very appreciative which could be heard in the applause at the end of each work and to our delight both Martin Frost and Roland Pontinen came back to play us an encore from an arrangement by his brother Göran Fröst, of Four Hungarian Dances by Brahms. Yes more Brahms...how lucky could I be?!

At the end of the concert both Martin and Roland came out to do a CD signing, so I joined the 'Groupie' queue...

to get my Brahms CD signed

By both...

and of course to have a photo taken with the great man himself!

Okay, yes I was greedy...I didn't have one photo taken...but two!

What a great performance!

Christmas lights and update.

2011-11-08T20:12:00.000Z

Well we left home at 3pm yesterday and didn't arrive home until 11pm. My hospital appointment turned into a three hour appointment as I ended up having blood tests and yet another MRI, this time of the brain...can they really be checking to make sure that what is inside my skull isn't just hot air and cotton wool?

We left the hospital at 8.30pm and we hadn't eaten since lunchtime so we popped over to Oxford Circus...partly so I could see the Christmas lights which were as lovely as expected...

Isn't this wonderful?

We then popped into our usual place we choose to eat...Garfunkels.

Mark perusing the menu...until I pointed out that they were now serving Christmas dinners which we both opted for :-) There has to be some benefit to this time of year!

That's right, yet another deviation from my Raw Foods, and yes I did feel it afterwards but during the meal I enjoyed it!

Such a big plate for a little desert, but it was more than enough indeed.

So the health update for those who want to be bored by it...

The neurologist doesn't think it is the Chiari Malformation is causing my symptoms...perhaps some of the minor ones, but not the main one which is of course the pain in my right shoulder, arm and hand and he said he certainly would advise surgery as he doesn't think it would solve the problem. I haven't got a syrinx which is fabulous news and I don't suffer the main symptom of Chiari which is debilitating pressure/strain headaches at the back of the head.

He went right back over the history, right back to December 2008 the day I had my decompression surgery for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and the partial paralysis I had after surgery down my left side from face all the way down to my foot. He saw me that evening and I had loads of tests and MRI's done then as they were concerned I may have had a stroke, or a bleed. Fortunately nothing showed up and it went after a day or so.

He has requested all the results from previous nerve conduction tests etc...that I have had done so he can go over them as there were some questions over asymmetry.

Upon hearing that I have had an autoimmune disease (ITP, Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia) he requested I had a load of blood tests done for B12, thyroid, diabetes, and various other things...as he said once you have had one autoimmune disease, it is not uncommon to get another. Oh Joy!

I also had to have a more thorough MRI Brain Scan to check for and rule out certain things.

He has requested that I go back to see him next week. Although I had no success today phoning his secretary to arrange the appointment even though I left a message and then rang again later.

So while I am thrilled I don't have to have surgery, in a way it feels like I have gone backwards a step or two as we still don't know what is going on. Still rather that at the moment than have unnecessary surgery that won't solve the problem and may give me more problems!

Do you want to see what I bought?

2011-11-07T13:48:00.000Z

Mainly pictures as I am off out very soon to go into London to see the Neurologist. Starting to feel nervous!

I bought a lovely selection of fat quarters of fabric for both patchwork/quilting and for dressmaking for Sasha. With only fat quarters, the dresses are more unique and individual...which I like.

The Christmas fabrics are well for Christmas! I have a couple of projects I can now work on...but they are going to be gifts and surprises so can't say what.

Tools of the trade...not included is the paper for applique and can of spray

Some more pretty fabrics.

The new project I hope to work on when all others are finished.

The wonderful fun fleece I bought to back a quilt I am making for a friend's new baby.

I also bought a pale blue fleece before I saw this, but I just couldn't resist and it will be the perfect backing for the baby quilt.

Right better dash!

Chilford Autumn Quilt Festival

2011-11-06T18:48:00.002Z

I had a lovely day today at the Autumn Quilt Festival, Chilford. I had a budget and managed to (almost) stick to it...was £20 over...oops. I bought cotton, needles, buttons, adhesive spray, fabric, fleece and the extra fabric needed to finish DS2's space quilt. All in all a good, but exhausting day.

The quilts on display were as ever amazing.

Close up detail - must have taken an age to sew all the tiny beads on these two quilts.

I really liked the Autumn theme of this quilt.

As always I am especially drawn to the blue and white quilts. Once all my current projects are finished I think that I may have to start a blue and white quilt of my own.

Will take photos of some of my fabrics purchased during the day tomorrow...

Ageing Cavies...

2011-11-04T19:31:00.000Z

Today saw the loss of Xena at the age for four years old.

My first Lunkarya sow imported from Holland

Poor Chester has had stroke and is looking very poorly indeed as well, so a very sad day in all.

It is tough, a large majority of my piggies are now over the age of three and a half and I guess in piggie years are pensioners...I call them my 'old folks'. I think the average is 3 - 5 years. We have had cavies live up to the grand age of 8 years old, but that is the exception rather than the rule unfortunately. Our eldest, Princess, is currently five years and 3 months and belongs to my younger son. Not that you'd notice! ;-)

Goodness November has arrived!

2011-11-01T15:46:00.000Z

Gosh it is four months since I changed my diet to Raw Foods, in the hope of curing my pain. Well that didn't work, probably partly due to the recent diagnosis of Chiari Malformation. What has worked though is loss of weight, and a general feeling of good health...lots of people have commented on how well I look, and I do, pain is hidden of course, although you can sometimes see it in my eyes if I am not working on hiding it. However I am not on any medication of any kind and that has got to be a good thing in my opinion.

I have lost 1 stone 8 pounds, four inches from my hips, 6 inches from my waist and 5 inches from my bust (not so good, flat chested again). Although the goal wasn't to lose weight, it sure has been good getting back to a size I am happy with (well apart from the flat chest that is, LOL...) It had got to the stage where my thighs were rubbing together when I walked, not a nice feeling and I couldn't get any of my skirts of trousers over my hips. Not anymore, so yippee on that front.

The last few weeks, I have deviated on the odd occasion from the diet, which I think is perhaps not such a good thing as the odd headache has crept in there while I wasn't looking so back to the straight and narrow today.

I had also slackened off my exercise on the re-bounder since my diagnosis, but have started that back up again. It is good to have that bit of exercise first thing in the morning, as well as the daily walks of course.

For the month of November I have a few things to look forward to, a few things not looking forward to, and some activities that need and some that I want to get done.

6th November - Chilford Quilt Show

7th November - Neurologist...but we won't talk about this

10th November - Going to see Martin Frost in concert at Wigmore Hall I am so looking forward to this as I think his clarinet playing is just amazing.

This next one is really fun do watch it if you get a chance!

Things I would like to finish...

DS2's Space Quilt

New Zealand Quilt

Things I need to make...

October and November Hexagon Flowers

SCC Christmas Gift...already know what I am going to make

Sasha Secret Santa Swap ...two gifts made/have...one to go

Continue with...

Decluttering and tidying.

What are your plans and projects for November?

Isn't it wonderful?

2011-10-31T16:17:00.000Z

As I was walking out of the health shop today I noticed a very pretty leaf on the floor that had just been blown in. I couldn't resist picking it up and bringing it home with me.

Such richness of shades of red.

Not a lot of words at the moment, still thinking and working on my de-cluttering and tidying. I am trying to visit your lovely blogs as and when I can, so if I haven't left a comment for a while please forgive me while I take this time to get things done that need to be done...

Going for a walk.

2011-10-29T09:56:00.000+01:00

I went for a lovely walk yesterday afternoon and discovered something that I want to explore in more detail...not sure if I am allowed where I walked as it seemed to be partially farm land, but there were no fences and it was quite obvious that others had walked there so I will go again, probably tomorrow as might not get a chance today.

This rose was in one of the neighbours gardens and is beautiful.

Leaving our garden I walk past the roses...

Take a slight detour to the driveway to show the berries I took the other day with their leaves...so if anyone can identify the plant?

Droplets of rain on the leaves from the night before.

The oak tree down the road is looking magnificent with its cloak of red

Yellows..

The secret garden that I hope to explore more - an array of colours and what looks like fruit, possibly apples...will have to take a closer look...

Greens and yellows lining a road.

The cherry tree leaves are turning and have that almost scrunching leaf look about them.

Have a lovely weekend.

Colours of today

2011-10-28T12:49:00.000+01:00

Tidying & decluttering - Baby steps.

2011-10-26T20:01:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I decided to finally tackle the hallway and all the paraphernalia that seemed to have gathered on the floor area...it started a long time ago with DS1 'tidying' his room - his method of tidying is to shove everything out into the hallway...there were three boxes of school work that he wants to keep, a cupboard thingy that he'd made and a few other bits and pieces...so back they went into his room! Next the GCSE books went into DS2's room...I mean why were they on the floor in the hallway other than to trip you up? The boxes and wrapping supplies - you never know when you might need them - went into the recycling and rubbish bins, whatever was appropriate. Anything else that didn't belong in the hallway either was put where it belonged or went in NATS (my Nana at the Shops trolley bag) ready to take down the road to the CS. Once all this was done the vacuum came out and did its magic in the hallway. It looks lovely and clear and tidy now.

The unit to the left of the front door is home to the phone books...but I'm going to eventually get round to moving it and allocating a draw in the dresser for the phone books. But that can be done another day.

There is a 'bell' on the dresser unit that DH said he was going to put up outside months ago...I have given him until the end of this weekend to put up outside, otherwise that too will be going to the CS.

I've made the appropriate threats to the boys about not leaving anything or putting anything into the hallway again otherwise it will 'disappear'...so far it is still looking like it did yesterday.

Small steps...I now have a shiny sink, two clear work benches AND a tidy hallway. :-)

Macro

2011-10-25T19:50:00.000+01:00

In the garden this morning

It's official!

2011-10-24T14:02:00.000+01:00

I have a brain!

Albeit some of it not being in quite the right place...but then we already knew I wasn't quite 'normal' ! ;-)

Isn't it clever what they can do nowadays?

Two more photos of bag as promised.

2011-10-24T13:04:00.000+01:00

For Sale: Handmade Handbag

2011-10-23T19:45:00.000+01:00

Tweed/Tartan handbag fully lined with inside pocket. (Will take a better picture tomorrow of the bag)

£10 + p&p

Detachable brooch

Birds & Books

2011-10-22T10:19:00.001+01:00

Thank you for all your well wishes yesterday. (I won't know the results until 7th November).

Just a few photos of birds that have been seen in the garden the last couple of days.

The first was taken at a distance through the patio doors so isn't as clear as it could be.

The lovely blue sky and sun shining through the leaves gives a lovely autumnal glow to the garden.

While in London yesterday I had a browse of a couple of charity shops and was delighted to find a couple of books to add to my Book Collection. I have taken over 30 books to the charity shops this last week, so feel that I can treat myself to a couple especially as one of them is part of a collection I am building.

I think half the attraction of these books are the wonderful illustrations on the spine and cover. I now have four of these books, the titles of which can be seen on my Book Collections Page.

Now I wasn't sure what this book was, but being leather bound, I couldn't resist pulling it off the shelf to have a look.

Lovely! This edition published in 1955, in excellent condition and priced at £1.99 it of course also came home with me.

Now to sort out some more books and treasures for the charity shop. For what comes in, there must be at least double going out!

Going to London...

2011-10-21T07:32:00.000+01:00

Trip to London today for some more tests. Might go early to have a bit of fun first!

CSF Flow Studies to see if the Chiari Malformation is blocking the flow.

MRA Venogram

MRI Thoracic - Lumber Spine.

Won't know the results until I see the Neurologist on 7th November.

(Picture courtesy of Google)

Thursday Quilting

2011-10-20T20:05:00.000+01:00

Quilting Group today and I had a project in mind that I thought I ought to work on.

Last year I bought some fabric to make DS2 a quilt for Christmas. I started cutting it out and then for some reason decided I didn't understand the instructions and popped it back in a bag and forgot all about it. Thinking along the lines of saving money and Christmas approaching, out it came - I had all the material, wadding and backing fabric, so why not make it?

This time the instructions seemed to make perfect sense, so not sure why I decided to give up on it last year.

Lovely and bold space prints

Ready for the wadding and backing fabric now - next weeks task!

Stepping out.

2011-10-18T18:22:00.000+01:00

Sometimes a little floral is needed...

Sometimes a lot!

Sunny Saturday & Health notes

2011-10-15T20:24:00.000+01:00

A gorgeous day today, quite cold, but one of those clear blue Autumn skies that just make the day look lovely. The birds were busy in the garden.

I haven't seen a Dunnock for ages, so it was lovely to see one busy outside the patio door this morning.

The cheeky robin, was quick to check out the lawn after it was mowed.

The honeysuckle is still flowering.

Green and yellow and blue

Steven got to fly in a helicopter today and was seen circling over our house.

We waved, but I don't think he saw us!

Yesterday after I'd seen the specialist Mark and I had dinner in Garfunkel's. It is getting to be a bit of ritual now when we go up to London for an appointment, although I think the last time we went was Christmas time last year.

Outwardly I may have been smiling, but inside I was all a turmoil.

My dinner was Irish Stew and Mark had steak and chips.

For both dinner and desert I totally blew the Raw Foodism that I've been following with this!

Very nice it was indeed. Back to the usual diet on Sunday.

I have a lot to digest at the moment, information to read and preparation to do.

I have been diagnosed with having Chiari I Malformation which will require major surgery. I have to have another series of three tests next Friday; CSF Flow Studies, MRI Venus Channel/venogram and an MRI of the Thoracic/Lumber Spin. I also have to make an appointment to see a neurologist for him to confirm that it is the Chiari Malformation that is causing all my problems. The Neurosurgeon is pretty confident it is and he was able to show me what the problem was from the MRI images I had the other week. He was also able to compare it to the MRI/MRA images I had taken straight after my TOS surgery in December 2008 when I had a numbness/paralysis down my left side which fortunately went. It turns out I actually had a slight indication of it then, but it has since progressed significantly. Why oh why wasn't it checked before? Why didn't my TOS surgeon take scans etc...BEFORE the TOS surgery, which may have been unnecessary? Well there are so many WHY's I could ask, but need to look forward and hopefully to the ultimate end of pain so I can get on and enjoy life to its fullest.

As a result of this news and the upcoming surgery and recuperation time I am going to have to re-home yet more of my geriatric guinea pigs as it really won't be fair on Mark to have to look after not only me, the boys, dogs, house but also the guinea pigs as they take a lot of time. I will keep four probably (I'd like to keep four boars and four sows actually) but we will have to see what he thinks he will be able to cope with. This is hard, I've already had to do this to get down to the current numbers I have when I sold all my breeding and showing stock and just kept the retired piggies. I want to stamp my feet and say it is not fair, surely I have had my fair share of major operations? But then things could be worse and fortunately it looks like they have caught it in time before a syringomyelia has formed.

I am sure I will be mentioning things again, but for now that is it.

Black & White

2011-10-14T06:37:00.000+01:00

Hurst Castle

2011-10-12T09:06:00.000+01:00

Still on Saturday, I've had time to 'blogisize' some more photos.

Still looking at Sturt Pond.

Penny's daughter Jess feeding the swans.

Now we have Dillon doing what Dillon does best - having fun the water, jumping off each side in delight.

A panoramic view as we are about to walk along the spit to Hurst Castle

Not an especially 'pretty' castle, but interesting even so.

That look that only your children can give you when they discover you are taking a photo of them!

Penny & her daughter

Now if I was super organised I would write an interesting spiel to go with the photographs, but as I am trying to limit my computer time in order to get things done around the house I won't (at least that is my excuse and I'm sticking it to it) Who knows once I have finished with the rest of the photos maybe I can write a little about the history tomorrow.

Have a lovely day!

Swans on Saturday

2011-10-11T08:30:00.002+01:00

On Saturday Steven and I spent the day with Penny. She wrote a wonderful post about what we got up to here. So far I have only edited a few photos of that day to reduce them to the correct size to put on the blog. Photographs of the swans on Sturt Pond that we stopped to feed on our walk.

If you click on this photograph to enlarge it, you will see the water drop that was also captured on film!

Edited 12th October: Forgot to say that my son took the first four photographs of the swans, so credit due to him!

FRIENDS SWAP 2011

2011-10-10T09:02:00.000+01:00

The FRIENDS Swap hosted by Kristina of Sew Prim Khris is probably one of the last swaps I take part in this year, and possibly for sometime for a number of reasons...the primary one being overseas postage costs being somewhat exorbitant and prohibitive. It is a shame as I enjoy the friendships often made and continued during the course of these swaps, but sadly I'm just not in a position financially at the moment to be able to afford the postage.

Anyway onto the loveliness.

My parcel from my swap partner Ngaire from Australia arrived while I was away this weekend, so I had fun unwrapping it when I got home.

Beautifully wrapped with lovely butterfly tags.

A lovely selection of goodies:

F = For when you are out and about (A tiny foldup bag)

R = Ribbon, every crafter loves ribbon

I = Indulge

E = Edible

N = for Notes and ideas

D = Does it fit in your handbag (I think this is a bag for a mobile phone)

S = Something to wear (a cute button badge, which I shall be wearing today)

Thank you Ngaire it was a fun swap.

Hopefully my parcel to Ngaire has arrived...if not PLEASE STOP READING NOW NGAIRE! ;-)

F = Flower press

R = Ribbons

I = Inspiration: Some crafting magazines

E = Egg cosy (handmade)

N = Notebook for ideas

D = Denim handbag, and brooch handmade with vintage fabrics

S = Scrapbooking papers

I do hope Ngaire likes what I sent her.

Friday in Southampton

2011-10-09T17:32:00.000+01:00

On Thursday afternoon I went down to Southampton with my older son. He did the driving so all I had to do was sit back and relax.

Why Southampton? He had an interview on Friday for a Officer Cadetship. We are so hoping he has got the position as it is something he is really interested in making at his career. He is so enthusiastic and excited, we now just have to sit and wait, so here's hoping.

While he was at the interview, I spent a few lovely hours wandering around Southampton admiring the huge contrasts in architecture from Medieval to Modern.

This post has quite a cross section of photographs of buildings and objects that took my fancy.

Modern

In the park

Colours of Autumn

Tudor Herb Garden

Calm waters.

My wonderful son after his interview

Modern - wonderful proportions

A mix sandwich

Old

Entrance to the Old Town

The Hotel we stayed in. Quiet, clean and friendly staff, what more could you ask for?

For Sale

2011-10-05T14:53:00.001+01:00

Still beavering away, albeit slowly on the tidying and decluttering I really need to start actively trying to sell some of the items I have made. Will place on here first before I list either on Folksy or Evilbay.

Poppy Cushion cover with zip opening.

£5.00 + p&p

SOLD Green Vintage Tartan shoulder bag.

Detachable brooch

£10.00 + p&p

Tuesday

2011-10-04T17:06:00.000+01:00

Should have been doing housework today...

This is the sum total of my efforts - removed previous display, dusted, polished and threw, I mean placed a few 'Autumn' accessories in the wotsit and there you have it.

Made out that I was busy in the garden...

Disappeared down to my shed and did some sewing.

Emily modelling the new dress.

Henry had fun today playing with the Autumn Leaves

Drawing Pencils

2011-10-03T18:06:00.000+01:00

I found this lurking in my pile of tea towels, forgot when we bought it, but very applicable for today!

Yes I know I should have ironed it first, but couldn't be bothered! Have a load of ironing to do tomorrow so will get done then.

I was a little naughty yesterday...I'd asked my husband for a tin of drawing pencils for Christmas...yes I know getting in early...

Well they arrived yesterday and I took a sneak peak...

took off the cellophane...

and had a play! I love them, what fun.

A little bit bad of me, but I couldn't resist.

I don't think I'll make it as an artist, but am quite pleased with my attempt.

I wonder if I will be able to keep them out now, or whether they will be whisked away from me for a few months?

Wow, another brilliant sunny day!

2011-10-02T17:58:00.000+01:00

A wonderful sunny warm day again today, and I am most certainly making the most of it.

I had DS1 out this morning painting the Cavy Boarding Lodge...

Looks so much better now and is ready for another year. He also painted both sets of outside hutches.

Just look at that wonderful blue sky, isn't it brilliant?!

I've picked most of the apples off the trees and will have to be busy tomorrow stewing and preserving them.

This beauty I am going to have for desert tonight.

The leaves are changing and are such beautiful colours.

They will provide me with the inspiration for the Autumn/Winter Sewing for Sasha Collection I am working on.

I have been busy pruning roses and some of the smaller bushes/trees and hubby has been pruning the larger trees back.

My studio is looking good as well now it has been painted. It is even reasonably tidy inside now! Although still a little cluttered until I work out what to do with the 'surplus'.

This sweet little dahlia is looking pretty.

A busy day tomorrow; yoga, physio, new tyres for my car and hopefully if the weather is still good I have the boarding hutches to hose and disinfectant out. I like to give them a good scrub after the summer boarding season before the winter season starts.

Wonderful Sunny Saturday

2011-10-01T19:57:00.000+01:00

Fabulous weather we are having and not before time if you ask me!

The last couple of days have been clearing and sorting my sewing studio. I've put up three curtain rails and hung two lots of curtains, just need one for the door now. I've had everything out in the garden and have been doing a complete reorganisation and sort through. Trouble is although I have managed to get rid of some stuff...I still can't get everything back in properly. Plus my back gives out on me after I have done some work, and it is not much fun trying to declutter and tidy while in pain, it takes the pleasure out of it completely!

The garden is still producing. We are finally getting some produce that we really should have had during the summer months, but I am not complaining, no siree!

Salad leaves.

Carrots, beans, tomatoes and a parsnip that was pulled up by mistake.

My husband has been busy treating and painting my studio.

It is looking lovely now. I better get cracking and finish the inside now!

Oh and I forgot to blog about this yesterday.

My FRIENDS swap is winging its way to Australia

Snoozing is one of Rough Collie's favourite pastimes. Well that and digging gi-humungous holes in the garden!

Can't remember if I've put these two following photos in my blog yet? I could go back and look, but can't be 'bothered' so humour me if you've already seen them.

20th September - A Walk around the Village

2011-10-01T08:35:00.000+01:00

My friend Nichola lives in a lovely area in surrounded by countryside and one of the benefits of this is being able to go for lovely walks with her delightful little dog Tilly.

One lovely sunny afternoon we went on one of these walks.

The houses were all so picturesque...

This grand pink house on the corner is one fine example. All very neat and tidy.

Venturing up hill first you can start to see the wonderful views of the village and countryside.

Nicely paved with lots of apple trees lining the pathway.

Lots of lovely yummy apples.

I didn't realise I'd been caught on candid camera!

That little dot on the end of the lead Nichola is holding is Tilly leading the way.

So beautiful and restful

Tall crops of corn

Pretty flowers

Brightly coloured corn...

You can often find cobs nibbled by the deer that come out of the surrounding forest.

Our walk almost complete as we make our way back to the village.

A lovely afternoon's walk.

Hand Knitted Cardigans for Baby For Sale.

2011-09-30T17:54:00.000+01:00

Just added to my FOR SALE page some of my lovely hand knitted cardigans for baby.

Harvesting and Ludwigsburg - Part Three: The Birds

2011-09-27T21:10:00.000+01:00

We have started to harvest some of the lovely carrots from our garden. I am quite impressed with how well they have grown this year and how tasty they are.

In the weekend I picked some more beans and tomatoes and a some apples.

The pretty little cloth I bought at the market in Stuttgart.

As soon as I saw it I knew I wouldn't be able to resist it. Fortunately it was before I made my resolve to not visit any Flea Markets/Charity Shops/Car boots etc... ;-)

Blue embroidery and Butterflies - just perfect!

Another instalment of photos from Ludwigsburg, this time the birds.

Wonderful flamingo

In action - even caught the drips coming out of his beak.

Ludwigsburg - Part Two: Pumpkin Time!

2011-09-26T17:55:00.000+01:00

Pumpkin Carvings, Sculptures, Dinosaurs galore. Fun for children of ALL ages ;-)

Not many words...just lots of pictures.

Lunch was a yummy pumpkin soup, desert pumpkin strudel which tasty very yummy indeed.

Autumn Activities - not necessarily the fun kind!

2011-09-25T18:27:00.003+01:00

Back on the home front today...Autumn is starting to show its face despite the wonderful glorious weather we are having. I have been able to do loads of washing, having it dry on the line and have done three baskets of ironing. All the boys clothes are now ready for another week or two. I've even washed the sheepskin rug!

The leaves on the Oak are starting to turn such beautiful colours, greens, golds, browns and reds.

Instead of 'Spring Cleaning', I'm in 'Autumn Cleaning' mode, I'm viewing the time as one of preparation and harvest. I am working each day on the garden and house; harvesting, weeding, tidying, de-cluttering and thinking. Thinking of ways to improve the way I do things, trying to keep up with daily tasks, while still doing things that are long overdue.

I think over the last few years I have been caught up in the world of blogging and the 'need' or 'want' mode way of thinking, finding myself caught up in that cycle of perhaps buying or doing certain things because I have seen others either having, buying or doing...This has led to me contributing to much of the 'clutter', otherwise known as 'treasure' that is abundant in our house. I've come to the conclusion that things need to change. There is simply TOO MUCH STUFF surrounding me, making it difficult, at times impossible, to tidy and it is most certainly overwhelming.

I don't NEED anything, I don't even WANT anything more. I have loads of clothes, probably far more than I will ever wear, enough china and crockery to completely kit out another house OR TWO, books, magazines, the list goes on. I have all that I need...yes there are a few little things I would like (but not necessarily need...for example I have asked for a 'proper' colouring pencil set, so I can do some drawing and journalling. Perhaps for Christmas...

So I have decided, no more charity shop visits for me. They are my downfall and yet I don't need anything, so why go in them 'just in case' I see something. It doesn't make sense, of course I am bound to see something I like...the biggie is do I need it? So I will remove the temptation. Instead I plan on giving away, selling on Ebay and offering some of my china and bits & bobs for sale here on my blog. I have set up a For Sale page so please do check to see if there is anything you would like.

You may have noticed I didn't say no more 'high street shops' or even just 'shops'. Well that is because I simply don't go in those sorts of shops anyway. The only other shop I would visit is for groceries, so isn't a problem for me. I actually dislike shopping so it is not such a hardship.

Just like our Rough Collie here, I am tired. So tired of the mess. So enough is enough, it is time to make headway!

I'm sure there are going to be days where I don't achieve anything...I must remember to pace myself...I am very sore this evening from probably doing too much. But even if I can just cull a couple of books for example each day, then that will be something.

So here goes!

Ludwigsburg - Part One.

2011-09-25T17:08:00.005+01:00

Monday 19th September Nichola took me to The Residential Palace & the Blooming Baroque Garden Show in Ludwigsburg. This baroque castle is the largest in Germany and is the focal point of Ludwigsburg. It was built by Duke Eberhard Ludwig between 1704 and 1733 and is huge! It has an amazing number of rooms, 452 which are housed in 18 buildings as well as four new museums. There is a permanent 'Blooming Baroque Garden Show' hosted all year round in the magnificent gardens that surround the Palace. The exhibition changes all year round and while we were there the World's Biggest Pumpkin Exhibition was on. It is held annually, this year between the dates of 2nd September and runs right through until 6th November. There are around 500,000 pumpkins! Apparently there are over 450 pumpkin varieties and there certainly were many different shapes and sizes on offer and display. Some of these I will be showing in tomorrow's post. The displays were certainly impressive and depicted various scenes, creations and animals. Some of which I have already shown over here.

Today though I am going to share with you some of the photographs I took of the flowers - one of my favourite things.

Beautiful colours, flowers in all their glory always inspire.

So beautiful.

The Palace and grounds in mosaic form.

Part Two tomorrow :-)

Baking on Saturday.

2011-09-24T20:04:00.003+01:00

To find out what the 'kids' got up to in Ludwigsburg last Monday click here.

A day of quiet baking, tidying and washing.

I made some Nut bars (and blew up my Food Processor in the process!)

However, they are very tasty.

You can find the recipe with excellent step by step instructions here.

Loving the new rose that is blossoming in my front garden.

Will be posting more of my adventures in Germany soon.

Stuttgart on a Saturday.

2011-09-24T06:38:00.005+01:00

Last Saturday we went into Stuttgart to visit the Vegetable and Fruit Market, Flea Market and have a wander around the town.

The market was a delight of colourfulness selling freshly made posies and bunches of flowers.

These sunflowers were just gorgeous.

The market is centred in the Castle Square and the impressive building in the background is the home of the Württemberg State Museum housed in the Old Castle.

This wonderful building is the Fruchtkasten on Schillerplatz, a late Gothic stone house which was first documented in 1393 as a large manorial wine press. The large Renaissance gables date from 1625 by Schickhardt. It sustained substantial damage during the war and was rebuilt 1954 - 56. What was so interesting about it for me is that it is the home of the Musical Instrument Collection, the main exhibition devoted to the development of keyboard instruments. With a few examples of the best instrument, the clarinet of course, thrown in to please me.

The instruments were wonderful, some showing such exquisite and beautiful workmanship. The placard of coins were those of the people who had had instruments made to them, yes that's right, Queen Victoria is among them. If you click on the mosaic it will enlarge.

It would have been helpful if a guide in English had been available, but sadly there wasn't (which seemed a general theme at most of the places we visited) so on the whole we just looked and enjoyed.

At Christmas time the square is also home to the Christmas market. The atmosphere must be amazing!

We also visited the large vintage/antiques flea market. I forgot to take photos as we were wandering around this. One lady had the most gorgeous linen stall. Yes I did buy a couple of items :-) but on a whole was very restrained.

We stopped for the obligatory lunch...

Which was very tasty indeed!

A wander around Calw.

2011-09-23T15:30:00.003+01:00

I had just an absolutely lovely week away in Germany, relaxing and taking things easy, seeing the sights and enjoying lovely freshly cooked food made by my wonderful host Nichola who really spoiled me rotten. I have certainly come home feeling really refreshed and inspired to get on with things, mostly a jolly good clean and de-clutter of the house.

The day after I arrived Nichola took me into Calw which is a town in the south of Germany in the northern Black Forest. Calw dates back to the middle ages and was a commercial town trading in cloth and leather.

The architecture of the buildings was fascinating, and as such I took quite a few photographs.

It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed strolling around the town and along the river.

Wonderful play area for children.

Photos of my journey to Germany can be seen here.

Back home!

2011-09-23T08:57:00.002+01:00

I'm home, had a wonderful time in Germany...Will update and post some pictures soon!

Blue Sky in September

2011-09-15T04:21:00.002+01:00

Good morning and a very early one it is too! I wonder if the morning is going to be as lovely as it was yesterday. Normally over the course of a summer I will post many photos of the gorgeous blue sky taken from our garden, but you may well have noticed the absence of them these last few months.

Well yesterday morning the sky was just so beautiful that I had to remedy that situation.

The view from our lounge patio doors.

Our neighbours apple tree...

That fortunately hang over our garden as very nice apples indeed are they! :-)

Well better dash, lots to do this morning.

Have a fabulous weekend and week all!

HIARCS Chess for iPad

2011-09-14T20:56:00.002+01:00

I am pleased to announce that my husband's newest product, HIARCS Chess for iPad is now available in the AppStore

You can find more about HIARCS on his website: www.hiarcs.com

On friends and friendships.

2011-09-13T19:06:00.005+01:00

Okay so we did have some rain today, but all in all it was a lovely day otherwise. The sun was shining, the washing blowing on the line - it all dried as well...just got it in before the downpour, not that the rain lasted. Guinea pigs were cleaned out, and some even got to have a run round on the grass.

I finally got my act into gear and booked my appointments with the specialist who is arranging for me to have a Spect CT scan, an MRI and a xray! I will then see him on 14th October to find out the results.

Ironing all up to date, now just need to start packing for Thursday. Only two more sleeps to go and I will be off to Germany to go and spend a week with a lovely thoughtful friend.

Just need to remember to return the library books tomorrow morning!!!

Some gorgeous colour for today:

A bumble bee enjoying the hebe.

I've been thinking a lot lately about friends and friendship and what it means. When I started to keep a blog, I never really realised quite what I was opening myself up for. I never realised how far reaching my blog would be, the experiences I would gain from it and the friends I would make. I have made many new friends, some of whom I have been lucky to meet in person, others that I have not yet met, but hope to, and others still who I may never get to meet, but even so count as a friend. Why is this? How can you make friends with people you have never met? This is a question that may well be asked. I think that this is simple in the world of blogging, where you get to 'meet' like minded people who share similar interests, ideas and thoughts, but also something else...they are not afraid to share a little of themselves either. I think it is these people, where you can see 'real life' shining out, in all its triumphs and despair, which enable you to develop a bond and thus a friendship. Sometimes it is simply a case of knowing you are not 'alone', being able to discuss, enthuse and yes sometimes even just have a jolly good moan and know that on a whole you are not being judged.

Through keeping this blog I have also discovered a wonderful forum, full of warm hearted, kind people who share an interest in crafting, re-purposing, decorating and other similar things. Again, I have been lucky enough to meet some of these people in person, exchange gifts with others and generally have a good 'chat'. It is one of these friends that has opened up her home to me this coming week, by inviting me over to stay with her when several weeks ago I expressed some of my struggles I was having and inability to cope with various things that were happening at that time. How amazing is that?

So despite my initial reservations regarding blogs, forums and the internet, it has opened a whole new REAL world out there for me, and I have had opportunities to meet people I would never otherwise have met, and also visit new places, that I may well not have ever visited.

Another wonderful aspect of friends is giving. To see the joy and happiness that a gift, whether simple or elaborate can bring to a friend is a wonderful thing. We should never underestimate the joy of giving, it really can bring so much more pleasure than receiving. I am, for example, very excited about the gift of the Jelly Roll Quilt I am giving to a dear friend tomorrow. It has given me immense pleasure to make this quilt and I know I will be making many more to give away as gifts. Perhaps that is why I will never be rich in monetary terms as I am so much happier giving, rather than 'selling'. But I am indeed richer in the blessings and happiness these gifts bring.

An excerpt from Henry Wordsworth Longfellow brings us this:

I breathed a song into the air,

It fell to earth, I know not where;

For who has sight so keen and strong,

That it can follow the flight of song:-

The song from beginning to end,

I found again in the heart of a friend.

Thank you to all my wonderful friends, who have held my hand (albeit virtually) in my times of need, who have lent a listening, unprejudiced ear, who care enough to add some kind words, or just sent gentle cyber hugs and know they will help. Thank you for the beautiful music to sooth the soul, isn't it amazing how someone so far away whom I have never met, knows just the right music to bring tears to my eyes, so moved am I by the 'gift' they are not tears of sorrow. I know there will be many more times when I will need to lean on you, and I will also be there for you if you need someone to lean on, to borrow a listening caring ear or to simply say you are not alone.

Thank you.

The return of Mr Stud Mason

2011-09-12T20:00:00.002+01:00

The return of Studman Mason! Mason (also known as Monty), a Lunkarya, has been away from home since the beginning of February on 'stud duty' down in Cornwall, and loving every minute of it I would think! It was his last chance as I am no longer breeding or exhibiting cavies until my CRaPS is fixed! So lovely to have him home as he really is a sweet fellow.

Mmm...yummy dandelions leaves.... specially grown crops in my front garden!

Saturday Quilting

2011-09-10T17:18:00.003+01:00

Saturday quilting today and working on a quilt I started a while ago, I managed to sew together 16 blocks. Only another 8 to assemble.

The blocks are quite 'busy', but I think it is going to make a nice quilt.

I only took two photos of two squares and out of sixteen different squares, I managed to pick the one that I'd made a mistake in to photograph...didn't realise I 'd made this mistake until I uploaded the photos. Still at least it has been spotted now and not later, and is a simple job of unpicking a row and swapping it round.

That was all I could manage for the day though, my pain tolerance levels reached their maximum and I came home earlier than usual.

Not sure who this quilt will be for, but will probably be a gift for someone.

There was some lovely work there today.

This quilt was really lovely in soft hues of pinks and violets. Unfortunately the camera really didn't manage to show the colours truly.

Next up is this amazing project.

How I would love to be able to make something like this, especially with my love of butterflies.

Each butterfly is hand pieced and they are all beautiful! This is going to be an absolutely fabulous gift.

The wood pigeons were enjoying the garden yesterday.

I was quite surprised to see the youngster! I think its parent was getting quite irritated with it though as kept trying to shoo it away.

The rest of the evening will be spent quietly with Hubby and DS1 as DS2 is having a 'sleepover' at a friends. I always laugh at this term, sleepover, I mean do they REALLY go to sleep?! I very much doubt it.

Woods & Son Six Keyed Clarinet.

2011-09-09T16:00:00.003+01:00

Whilst active in music I not only played and taught but I also restored instruments, purely for myself, but it was something I very much enjoyed, and there was something very special about caring and restoring an old clarinet. I tried to restore them as sympathetically as I could and if the joints were strung, then I too would do restring them. I would try and use materials as close as possible to the originals that would have been used. My next project was going to be an antique 6 keyed clarinet by Jas Woods & Son Clarinet c1819 - 1829. I had hoped to make a start after I finished my Masters in 2007 but unfortunately not long after that I started to develop problems in my right hand & fingers/wrist and shoulder. The rest has already been rehashed on here before and I don't really want to go into it right now. Needless to say it was put on the back burner (not literally!) into storage.

As mentioned yesterday my husband when tidying and rearranging while I was in New Zealand earlier in the year, decided to take all the instruments out of where I had them stored and move them elsewhere. The result is this:

Mould has started to develop. Fortunately, I hope I have discovered this in time. I have given it a clean up this afternoon and will leave it out of its case for a few days... before putting it somewhere drier.

Unfortunately the mouthpiece is quite damaged, so eventually a new one would have to be made...

For its age, it is not in too bad a condition really. A bit of work needed to tidy it up and return it to playing condition, but not impossible. Although not possible at the present moment in time.

I love that this instrument is English. It was made by Jas Wood & Son of New Compton Street, 50 Soho, London. I could talk about many more technical aspects of this instrument...but thought I better not get too 'anorakie'.

This bottom photo was included in my final year project of my BA Mus (Hons)