An apology and a BIG thankyou

First I must apologise to all, who made my birthday so special ,I was well and truly spoilt, more of which later.I am so sorry if you have not had a thankyou ,but my keyboard went do-lally and would not let me type anything , it felt very spongy, it started off with the L key and then the enter key then got worse and worse and I could not type on it at all.I can tell you I was not a happy bunny , so Martin ordered me a new one and   fitted last night as I think he was fed up with all the mutterings going on in this corner!!! So whoo hoo I can now do a blog post and show you the goodies I had. Got a cuppa to hand you may need it.
I think I will just do birthday this time and then catch up with things progressing and finished later in the week.

So in no particular order-My other half bought me a mobile phone. Now all I have to do is fathom out how
to use it ,I actually managed to answer it today,no don't laugh ,me and technology have a love hate relationship ,I love it if it is working ok and I can understand what I am doing, I hate it when it doesn't and I don't. I have been pestered to have one by the girls for ages and now they have started texting me ,which takes me forever to answer,but as I am told I must keep it switched on (I am so not switched on) so I have to say once I get used to it I think it will be handy, Martin says it has got something called gps on it ,no don't ask me,I have probably got the name wrong,but he said if I get lost or cannot remember where I live I can find out!!!! I only can walk round the block and I am not that senile yet lol. I wouldnt know how to use it anyway ,don't you wish you lived in my world.

Anyway other things were this lovely vase from Kate dd,and perfume from grandchildren.

From Graeme and Sue I had this ,it is a designer handbag but the colour is a deeper brown than the camera says -who says the camera does not lie.
Ella and Misty cat gave me a rose bush for the new rose garden entitled Happy Retirement and is pink. Will let you see pic when it is out. Cannot show it you as it is planted in the garden and it is like a quagmire out there.I cannot believe how many cards I had 35 at last count , and some nice stitchy bits and pieces which is what you are going to see next. In no particular order these were the goodies I had and from whom.

This was from Christine and it looks so pretty (just need to get it translated)good job a friends daughter speaks french fluently, Thanks so much Christine ,it has the sheep fix on it too.Also Christine enclosed a pair of dotty green scissors.

Next is from Jane ,Tilly and Oscar ,this delightful teacup pillow which will be hanging in my kitchen . Sorry the lambs have been eaten ,but the sweet little buttons Jane had stitched to the lambs have been put in my button box. Thankyou Jane you finish things so beautifully.

My dear Monday night friend Sally sent me this sweet forget me not pillow and she has no fear of that. Love the colours of this one.Thanks Sally.

Michelle sent me these GASThreads before going off to SA on hols . I am sure that they will be used at some point.
Hope you are keeping up -theres more.

This crocheted pin cushion came from my other friend Jane who lives in Manchester,something I really admire but for the life of me cannot do. It came wrapped in a pale cream fabric which I can use and some lovely purple ribbon. Also more sheep.

This I absolutely fell in love with and wore when we went out.,isn't she adorable. Kate sent me this and I need to know if she made it. The fabric is so me too. Dare I post a pic of me wearing it hmmmm.

Sorry to scare you , the badge on the other side came from my dear friend Julie whose friendship is so precious.I feel like I have known her for years and like Sally we "speak"most weeks.Did I really need reminding I was 65 though ,I shall get my own back though !!

Speaking of Miss Julie, well she sent me a Whitmans tin (I have always wanted one)but just take a look see the pics speak for themselves.

 

Fab-u -lous or what. That dear little lamb , i hear her hubby drilled a hole in its tail for the needle threader.

I shall treasure it with all the treasures I have had from stitchy friends ,not just for birthdays through the years.. Another cuppa needed me thinks. As there is yet more, told you i was spoilt.

This is from Gaynor ,who has had some wonderful news , she is Stitcheranon. How sweet is that and I had no idea she even knew when my birthday was so a total surprise.

Not a stitchy gift ,but thought you would like to see what my old schoolfriend of 60 years bought me. The cushion that she bought in Scotland whilst on holiday and the bag which was full of smellies. Another non stitching gift was from my furry friend Ollie he presented me with this.

Knowing a particular love of mine is Jane Austen. Strangely enough I sent the same book to my Birthday twin Angela.(no blog).I shall enjoy reading this,

Back to stitching.

From my friend Clare who hosts Needlecraft Haven , a lovely kit to go in my cherries and berries and birds basket.When it is done that is. I had a little competition a couple of weeks ago to see if anyone could guess how many LHN ,CCN charts I had. 21 was the answer and now I have 23.

No I have not forgotten how to count. This arrived too the first of the Little Sheep Virtues ,which I am sal with Sally on Mondays. I am not sure of the fabric though I started it on Monday and decided I did not like it so ordered some from Sew and So which came today ,so have to play catch up with Sally one evening this week.I have ordered the wool for the back too but PR have not got it in yet.

Tina generously sent me a book token and I know exactly what I will buy with it. I am reading a crime thriller called Dead Simple and it is a real cannot put down book. I have it on Kindle. The author has done more so I will have to see what I can get when next I go to town. If you like reading crime thrillers then I thoroughly recommend it.I have not finished it yet but I am almost there and Martin said at breakfast this morning!Good Book,YES I was reading it at breakfast Well got my own back as he reads the paper..So thanks so much Tina ,you are a star.

 This is a notebook that my friend Linda made me , she is our doctors receptionist and a great stitcher and
maker of all things stitchy. It fits in my new bag perfectly.

 I had this this morning from Karan.I feel so sorry for her when she told me that her and her hubby had been in a road accident last Wednesday and she was sorry she was late for my birthday. Oh Karan if you read this I am 65 on 6and ahalf. As long as you are both ok that is all that matters.But look at this needlefelted sheep a Swaledale (my favourite I think).She has told me I have a voucher to look forward to getting. I am just so blessed ,all you dear people . I think you must be thinking how much more well I have to show you what my dear other half gave me the day before on Valentines  day.

Scuse the tatty chair ,it is Ollies that he likes to sit on and watch the world go by. It is not for people to sit in. Arent they beautiful, and then he gave me this,

The red heart in the left top corner. HE is such a sweetie and even after almost 46 years I still wouldnt change him for the world.Also he had not finished and in case I get bored he got me this to watch.

 The grandchildren came over in the morning well Jack ,Sam and Alfie but Kate had to work so they could not stop. Caitlin phoned me as she was still in bed when her mum left to come over. Ella phoned me (ON the new phone) after school. At lunchtime we went where we met which is here.

50 years ago ,he was riding his bike (not allowed these days )and asked if I had seen his friend . We had lunch at the Cove a Fishermans pub which I have a picture of my Uncle outside back many years ago.

So there you have it my birthday in a BIG nutshell. I will show you finishes next time as you will all be nodding off now. Take care hi to the new followers and hope you have not been bored to tears. Thanks to all once again ,hope I have not missed anyone.
Oh meant to say thanks everyone who mailed me to say they had got their giveaway gifts. Who knows when and if I get to 200 followers I may have another.
Speak soon ,much love and hugs
Barb x

Have you been in suspense all day !!!Winners..

Well I have winners ,and thanks to other half for picking them out of the hat .
So if you are a winner congratulations and please would you e mail me your address and I shall pop them in the post to you. I will email you if I can find an email addy on your blog.
Drum roll please.
Number 1. Malbrigo wool has been won by Sue. Blog is As if by Magic.
Number 2.Blackbird complete package of threads ,fabric and Chart of The Simple things have been won by Stitcheranon.
Number 3 .Blackbird chart and fabric have been won by Vicki
Number 4 The Needleroll have been won by Carin
Number 5.The LHN charts have been won by Melissa D.

Sorry you could not all win but I send you all stitchy hugs anyway.
All packages have been posted this morning the 11th February.Enjoy!!!!!!!!

2 days to go to the giveaway

Hello and welcome to the new followers , again this is a quick post as a reminder if you have not entered already then you only have today and tomorrow to do so.Please leave a comment on the last post to get your chance.
I have been doing a little stitching and have 1 new finish and updates on others. The header pic is my February mantle shelf. I think I may have to get some red candles.
Anyway without more ado, here is my first pic . This I stitched for the Monthly Christmas ornie sal on Needlecraft Haven .Not sure if I am really pleased with it but it will hang on a branch somewhere.

This was in 2012 JCS ornament edition.I think maybe the ruched ribbon is a little heavy ,but as I said it will find a  branch of its own.
I have been stitching in the parlour on Wednesdays and here is the progress so far,on Silent Night Holy Night. by CCN.

I am really liking this one. Just love the church and well everything about it really, I think I may try and find a white frame for it.
Next after February comes March and this should be done in a couple of weeks as I stitch with Sally on a Monday.

I did stitch more on this last night, whilst watching the programme on Richard 111 being found under a car park and how they determined it really was him. Loved the reconstruction of his face. Of course Martin was VERY interested being a keen amateur archaeologist.
I have not yet taken a pic of last night stitching but will do before posting the winners of the giveaway on Thursday.
I have apologies to make to Julie and Mr Stick as I should have been stitching on Quaker Diamonds but I am afraid it did not come out to play as I am trying to gather all my threads together and number and catalogue them. I have found so many that I have a lot of, I think to myself that I cannot have that colour so go ahead and buy another ,I must have done that just a few times!! I still have not finished and so maybe this weekend will be taken up again.So maybe apologies in advance.
Well my ladies enjoy February I am sure I shall but not the age I will become.
Ollie dog has feet problems again and so he is on very high dose of antibiotics again and feeling rather sorry for himself .

Almost forgot I had a RAK this week from Michelle, who is now in South Africa  lucky girl. However I felt just a bit special when this popped through the letter box , all very useful and those snips are really sharp. Thanks Michelle.

So girlies I shall see you Thursday with names of winners . Meanwhile take great care and keep warm.

Hugs n stuff
Barb x

A short post featuring a giveaway

Well folks I promised you a give away in January and so here it is. All I need you to do is leave me a comment and maybe tell your friends on your blogs. If you could tell me which goodies you would like and I shall put names in a hat or if too many I will do the random thing.Very technical I am.
So whoo hoo here we go .
Number one is

This is a hank of Malbrigo hand dyed wool. It is sock wool and knits up like 4ply.There is enough to knit the Shawlettes I have been knitting or a pair of socks maybe.

Number 2.
This is the complete put together.

Loosefeathers pattern , fabric , and 12 week dye threads to stitch it with all you have to do is provide needle and scissors.

Number 3

This is Blackbird Designs and fabric.Pinkeep box and pinkeep loose feathers pattern 33.No threads with this one.

Number 4.

This is a Shepherds Bush kit for a needleroll Antique Heart Roll. Never opened and still with price on.

Number 5

This is 3 of LHN ornies which will be for all 3.

So my blogging buddies that is the giveaway and I hope you will leave me a comment and I shall pick them out on the 7th of FEBRUARY, which will give you a couple of weeks to get here and write me a little note on this post ONLY.

That is all you have to do. 

All of these come from a smoke free and 1 pet home.The pet in question was looking out of the window as I wrote this

He could not see any of this as since our one day of snow it is all gone.



We had some visitors but not many yet. 

Not much else to tell you apart from Sam no 2 grandson had his tonsils and anenoids out last Monday ,he is now getting ear ache but I suppose it is all part of the healing progress.

Right off now to make a cuppa ,would you like one. Hope lots of you join in the giveaway and that if you are lucky you will like what you win. 

Hugs and love and thanks for being in touch]

Barb.x

Grandchildren all excited.

Fingers and toes are crossed (as well as stitches , but more about that later), we are forecasted SNOW, yes white stuff that is cold and comes from the sky, you know what I am talking about all you who are lucky enough to have snow in the winter. We rarely get it here on the coast. It is mighty chilly out there today and we thought we had better think of our poor feathered friends. So from this.

Came this .It has been stood there all afternoon and up to now not one feathered friend has visited.I do hope   tomorrow they will realise it is there. My kitchen is usually tidier so please do not think my table usually looks like that.

We put the old birdhouse in the back garden as it was getting a little tatty. Well I do hope if you have snow you are enjoying it. I think all the grandchildren are all going to pray hard tonight that they get snow day tomorrow and a day off school.  Sam  our 11 year old grandchild is going into hospital to have his tonsils and adenoids out on Monday. Not sure if he is really wanting to go,cannot say I would be keen either.  Kate will have to stay overnight the first night with him ,then he is off school for 2 weeks. When I had my tonsils out (many many years ago ) we had jelly and icecream diet but now they give them toast and roast dinners. Ouch!!!!

Well my dears now a little stitching fix for you. As you know on Mondays I stitch along with my friend Sally, I am not sure if she stitched this week as if you read Sally's blog you will know her dear dad passed away this week. I am stitching the Wordplays and showed you January's  that I finished. I have now finished February and will be starting March next week. So here we are with February my first finish of 2013. Now I can show you my second finish of the year which is a Christmas ornament for Needlecraft Havens Monthly Christmas ornie . I am hoping to get one a month done. This one was by Primitive Hare in the JCS 2012 Magazine. I changed a few things like the gold thread and left out the bottom border.I also added a Santas Magic Key.

Every year I think I will do a set for my girls dd  & dil for their trees, but each time I finish one I like it and cannot bear to give it away. How can I solve this problem (don't say stitch 3!!)  I have also started Silent night when I am in the Parlour on Wednesdays and here is progress so far.

I think this one will be pretty too. So that is the stitching news. I had a patchwork rabbit voucher for Christmas and I have ordered some threads for March that I did not have, although I thought I did. Hmm probably turn up in that safe place. I also ordered some for another ornie, and a ornie chart. Which I have just heard are on their way. I am going to sal with Sally the sheep virtues from LHN when they arrive here in the UK. So look out for them too, Next time I will be doing a giveaway so keep watching . 

The knitting has been out again and I am doing another shawlette. This one is in lilac shades ,

It is getting to the stage where circular needles will have to come out to play. I popped along to http://thequiethome.blogspot.co.uk/ where I saw this book. As my daughter had given me an Amazon voucher I decided to spend it on this book . Oh so many nice things to read about and knit. 

Of course having some pennies left I had to spend those too so I decided on a book which has been in and out of my basket more times than the proverbial fiddlers elbow. The first few lines read.

I write this sitting in the kitchen sink. That is, my feet are in it; the rest of me is on the draining board,which I have padded with our dogs blanket and the tea cosy. I cannot say that I am really comfortable, and there is a depressing smell of carbolic soap, but this is the only part of the kitchen where there is any daylight left.I have found that sitting in a place where you ;have never sat before can be inspiring -I wrote my very best poem while sitting on the hen-house. Cannot wait to carry on with this.I capture the Castle by Dodie Smith. 

So I have plenty I can be doing. I love a good book and have read 3 so far this year.Martin had a table top sale to raise funds for an old school which has been renovated into a community centre and he saw this and thought of me,he is a sweetie.

Of course my favourite "thing" is featured these beauties.

Of course one thing leads to another and as I forgot to show you the other thing my dear daughter Kate gave me in my last post here it is.

I LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope you are all well and keeping free from the various lurgies that are doing the rounds. Graeme ds who celebrated his 45th birthday this week is suffering from the cold cough thing ,not good when you are supposed to be having a holiday from work..

Please leave me a little comment if you can spare the time , I love to read your little notes . I shall leave you with a little smile, a Sam saying and a picture of him and Alfie with their beloved Grandad. 

Whilst driving along in the car with his mum past our house. Sam asked why Grandad had a blanket over his car. Well said Kate that is so in the morning he does not have to scape the ice off before he goes out with Ollie. Oh said Sam,,he is cleverer than you then,!!!

On that note I am off to get said grandads dinner.

Much love and stitchy hugs

Barb x