Two months have flown by since I last sat my toosh down in front of Ayres Rocks blog spot and I am hopeful that I can once again make a more regular appearance after my poor show of late.
Since my last entry back in June, we have returned home, still unfinished, still with boxes left to unpack and a piano in storage but certainly livable and definitely more spacious than when we departed back in March. Already our lives feel transformed with the boys now having their own rooms which couldn't have come at a more appropriate time. We have a power shower which is mighty hard to step out of first thing in the morning, a beautiful new carpet under foot which runs throughout all bedrooms, the landing and the stairs which has improved the flow, but most importantly we have a kitchen breakfast room which means the return of a dining table after nearly 2 years without one. It has been really detrimental to our family not having space for it over the last 24 months as there had been nowhere to sit and share an evening meal during which to discuss the goings on of each others day. No large table to sit and prepare my lesson plans or for Jamie to do his homework and no table for Stanley during his 'toddlerdom' to learn table manners. So we welcome the return of our four-legged friend. No not our dog Tia (although she obviously came home with us) - our country pine chunky table and chairs.
The solid oak floor sits piled up in our lounge. Dean said it needed 4 weeks to acclimatise to the room temperature before he could lay it. I'm guessing the said pile may become beautified with Christmas decorations in four months or so as Deans work schedule looks absolutely manic, but we shall see. We need to finish painting in the kitchen, splash backs behind the cooker, kick boards fitted to the bottom of the kitchen units etc, but I have to say, Dean has done an amazing job. A massive thanks to my little brother Bill who has plastered the house from top to bottom single handed for us. My other brother Craig came down for a week to push the painting on and my dads talents were wasted really as he was the guy that got lumbered with tip runs, mixing up muck etc but a very important role none the less. What a great family I have xxxxx
Since being back on 'the street', we have been largely blessed with great weather and the infamous Kilk mist has been kept at bay. Jamie has been able to play out with one of his best friends which is one of his favourite past times at the moment and he has finally nailed riding his bike, so there is no stopping him now. Stanley's curls seem to be dropping out which is making me feel a bit sad as he had an admirable and beautiful mop top going on. I had his hair cut last week as I thought it was the length that was pulling it down but alas, they've not sprung back yet. I remember my hair going funny when I was about his age and mum recalls having to cut it all off, really short, I mean really really short. His hasn't lost the condition though like mine did so maybe its just his baby curls falling out :-(
Dean has been away up country for nearly 2 weeks and has got another 5 or 6 days to go yet before he returns. He has been 'crafting' for three previous customers he has worked for on and off over the last 7 years back up in Hertfordshire so its nice for him to be asked to return to familiar faces. I decided not to run any summer holiday classes this year as with all the upheaval of the renovation work etc, I really felt like I needed some down time and quality time with the boys. I definitely think I made the right decision. We've enjoyed flying kites, beach days, feeding the ducks, cooking, camping in the garden, library visits, splashing about in Bideford Park - all the simple things in life which have brought us a lot of pleasure. I'm still working hard on all the marketing for both Deans business and mine, but I can do this when the boys are in bed (well, when I'm not on facebook or watching the TV!). Speaking of which, Ive got a stall at Bude Carnival tomorrow, meeting and greeting, making and decorating shakers etc so Id better get off here for now and get some preparation done. I'll be back...............
Friday, 19 August 2011
Saturday, 11 June 2011
Thursday, 9 June 2011
Great entertainment value
I have been treated tonight to a 'second hand' concert courtesy of my mum and brother Bill with hilarious excerpts. My dad brought mum a ticket to see Elton John in Cardiff for Christmas last year and we brought an accompanying ticket for my brother too. So off they set this afternoon in hot pursuit of the Motor point Arena (previously known as Cardiff International Arena).
Billy and I have been pianists since children so are naturally wooed by Elton's talents and have been playing his music for many years. I went to see him in a beautiful intimate open air concert at Burleigh house some 15 years ago (that's shocking - makes me feel really old) but mum and Billy had never had the pleasure.........until now. He may have had a drug problem, be a bit of a diva, and a little arrogant, but you cannot take away the mans talent and his ability to write a great song in 15-30 minutes.
We had a phone call to say that they arrived safely and in good time, and that they were just locating the hotel that they would be staying in before the return journey tomorrow morning. They reported that the concert was set to start at 8pm, they had fab seats with a great view and then we sat in wait. The next phone call came at 8.10pm and we were treated to "Saturday Nights Alright" which we sat listening to on loud speaker for a bit (until they cut us off without warning) and then the calls came thick and fast, 1 after another with some great classics eg Sacrifice, Crocodile Rock, Yellow Brick Road. We realised it was absolutely pointless even answering the call with a 'hello' as they obviously couldn't hear a thing we were saying. We just sat and listened and enjoyed sharing the moment with them. Alongside Elton in the background, we were treated to blasts that went something like this "laaaaaaaaaa, la la la la laaaaaaaa, la la la la laaaaaaaaa, la la la la laaaaaaa" (Can you guess which tune this was their accompaniment for??) but it caused a bit of a titter and was lovely to hear them enjoying themselves. It was touch and go as to whether mum would be able to accompany Billy as she had experienced terrible tooth ache for the last couple of nights, but it seemed to have subsided by this morning so she risked it. I'm guessing the sore throat she is bound to have from all that singing will take her mind off the tooth ache ;-)
Billy and I have been pianists since children so are naturally wooed by Elton's talents and have been playing his music for many years. I went to see him in a beautiful intimate open air concert at Burleigh house some 15 years ago (that's shocking - makes me feel really old) but mum and Billy had never had the pleasure.........until now. He may have had a drug problem, be a bit of a diva, and a little arrogant, but you cannot take away the mans talent and his ability to write a great song in 15-30 minutes.
We had a phone call to say that they arrived safely and in good time, and that they were just locating the hotel that they would be staying in before the return journey tomorrow morning. They reported that the concert was set to start at 8pm, they had fab seats with a great view and then we sat in wait. The next phone call came at 8.10pm and we were treated to "Saturday Nights Alright" which we sat listening to on loud speaker for a bit (until they cut us off without warning) and then the calls came thick and fast, 1 after another with some great classics eg Sacrifice, Crocodile Rock, Yellow Brick Road. We realised it was absolutely pointless even answering the call with a 'hello' as they obviously couldn't hear a thing we were saying. We just sat and listened and enjoyed sharing the moment with them. Alongside Elton in the background, we were treated to blasts that went something like this "laaaaaaaaaa, la la la la laaaaaaaa, la la la la laaaaaaaaa, la la la la laaaaaaa" (Can you guess which tune this was their accompaniment for??) but it caused a bit of a titter and was lovely to hear them enjoying themselves. It was touch and go as to whether mum would be able to accompany Billy as she had experienced terrible tooth ache for the last couple of nights, but it seemed to have subsided by this morning so she risked it. I'm guessing the sore throat she is bound to have from all that singing will take her mind off the tooth ache ;-)
Saturday, 28 May 2011
Random thoughts at midnight
1) Wondering if maidincornwll , thedaytodavis & stephanieeee are having a good time in Bristol at the Dot to Dot music festival-wish I was there :-(
2)Wondering how the wedding of one of my old primary school friends has gone today as she marrys my dads cousin (who'd have thought that we'd end up being members of the same family 27yrs down the line). Wishing I was there too :-(
3)Still thinking about my 2 cousins who had some dreadful news this week. You'll be in my thoughts daily for a long time to come xxx
4) Wishing the wind & rain would die down a bit - it's keeping me awake.
5) I must remember to buy some olbas oil tomorrow
6) Getting excited about being back in my own home. Dean laid the slate floor in our new kitchen today so going over for a nose tomorrow
7) Doing mums horses for her while she's away. I've had a shower but can still smell them
8) Glad I finally got my rebooking stats done tonight (only 5/6 weeks late).
9) God my feet are cold
10) Need to remind the hubster to repair the polythene cover over the rabbits hutch which has been ruined
11) Thinking I need to go to sleep now. Nity nite
2)Wondering how the wedding of one of my old primary school friends has gone today as she marrys my dads cousin (who'd have thought that we'd end up being members of the same family 27yrs down the line). Wishing I was there too :-(
3)Still thinking about my 2 cousins who had some dreadful news this week. You'll be in my thoughts daily for a long time to come xxx
4) Wishing the wind & rain would die down a bit - it's keeping me awake.
5) I must remember to buy some olbas oil tomorrow
6) Getting excited about being back in my own home. Dean laid the slate floor in our new kitchen today so going over for a nose tomorrow
7) Doing mums horses for her while she's away. I've had a shower but can still smell them
8) Glad I finally got my rebooking stats done tonight (only 5/6 weeks late).
9) God my feet are cold
10) Need to remind the hubster to repair the polythene cover over the rabbits hutch which has been ruined
11) Thinking I need to go to sleep now. Nity nite
Sunday, 22 May 2011
We're on the 'home' straight
Well, 2 months down and 3 weeks to go.
It has been a very unique couple of months living back with my mum and dad, and when some families would have murdered each other under the intensity of having parents, youngest brother, me & hubby, 2 children, 3 dogs and at the last count 5 cats under the same roof, not to forget 2 ponies, 4 sheep, a handful of chickens and the cat protection pen in the 'garden' whom mum fosters for, (sharp intake of breath), in a warped way for the most part, it has been quite enjoyable.
Its funny how the generations do things differently, for example how we bring our children up today compared with how we were raised, the different routines that people adopt etc. Jamie has absolutely thrived on the experience that's for sure. He's had one of his uncles playing football with him in the field most days after school/dinner which has kept him fit and active, infact that's something we've all joined in with from time to time. He's also really relished time with nanny and dosh (the name dosh came to be when Jamie couldn't pronounce pops when he was younger, and so DOSH just stuck!) Jamie will definitely miss the cuddles, the listening ears and the treats that come from living with such a lovely pair of grandparents.
Mum and dad wont miss the chaos that comes with 2 children I shouldn't think. My parents moved down here for the rural and remote setting, the quiet retreat, and the comings and goings of family life has simply taken over. I feel we are a whirlwind that has decided upon Worden and that doesn't sit comfortably with me. I don't pretend to be the tidiest person in the world but at least my clothes haven't ended up on the roof this time (that's a story from my teenage years-I'll save that for another day). Juggling the school and pre-school runs, lesson planning and teaching, organising the launch of Deans new website and helping steer his business in an exciting new direction, trying to keep on top of 2 sets of accounts (but failing with this one I feel), endeavouring to maintain some form of a social life (not doing too well with that one either, sorry girls), helping with decisions on the renovation project, getting Jamie through his first set of SATS, trying to remain human throughout it all, it has been nothing short of bedlam, but we are nearly there and I cant wait to breath a sigh of relief and hopefully take my foot off the accelerator for a while.
We are forever grateful for the roof my parents have offered to our family unit, for the dinners cooked nearly ever night (god damn, I'll have to start baking, boiling, brewing, browning, frying, grilling, heating, roasting, simmering, sizzling, steaming, stewing and toasting again soon, boo). For putting the washing machine under intense pressure, for the support, the ideas, the laughs, the pancakes, the honesty........ We love you lots and look forward to being able to give you your house back, not necessarily as we found it, and welcoming you to what will feel like our new home for a meal around the table (something we hadn't had room for for nearly 18 months). Excited to see what awaits us around the next corner.......
It has been a very unique couple of months living back with my mum and dad, and when some families would have murdered each other under the intensity of having parents, youngest brother, me & hubby, 2 children, 3 dogs and at the last count 5 cats under the same roof, not to forget 2 ponies, 4 sheep, a handful of chickens and the cat protection pen in the 'garden' whom mum fosters for, (sharp intake of breath), in a warped way for the most part, it has been quite enjoyable.
Its funny how the generations do things differently, for example how we bring our children up today compared with how we were raised, the different routines that people adopt etc. Jamie has absolutely thrived on the experience that's for sure. He's had one of his uncles playing football with him in the field most days after school/dinner which has kept him fit and active, infact that's something we've all joined in with from time to time. He's also really relished time with nanny and dosh (the name dosh came to be when Jamie couldn't pronounce pops when he was younger, and so DOSH just stuck!) Jamie will definitely miss the cuddles, the listening ears and the treats that come from living with such a lovely pair of grandparents.
Mum and dad wont miss the chaos that comes with 2 children I shouldn't think. My parents moved down here for the rural and remote setting, the quiet retreat, and the comings and goings of family life has simply taken over. I feel we are a whirlwind that has decided upon Worden and that doesn't sit comfortably with me. I don't pretend to be the tidiest person in the world but at least my clothes haven't ended up on the roof this time (that's a story from my teenage years-I'll save that for another day). Juggling the school and pre-school runs, lesson planning and teaching, organising the launch of Deans new website and helping steer his business in an exciting new direction, trying to keep on top of 2 sets of accounts (but failing with this one I feel), endeavouring to maintain some form of a social life (not doing too well with that one either, sorry girls), helping with decisions on the renovation project, getting Jamie through his first set of SATS, trying to remain human throughout it all, it has been nothing short of bedlam, but we are nearly there and I cant wait to breath a sigh of relief and hopefully take my foot off the accelerator for a while.
We are forever grateful for the roof my parents have offered to our family unit, for the dinners cooked nearly ever night (god damn, I'll have to start baking, boiling, brewing, browning, frying, grilling, heating, roasting, simmering, sizzling, steaming, stewing and toasting again soon, boo). For putting the washing machine under intense pressure, for the support, the ideas, the laughs, the pancakes, the honesty........ We love you lots and look forward to being able to give you your house back, not necessarily as we found it, and welcoming you to what will feel like our new home for a meal around the table (something we hadn't had room for for nearly 18 months). Excited to see what awaits us around the next corner.......
Monday, 9 May 2011
What a find!
I had 15 minutes to kill in town today between appointments and dragged Stanley into 3 charity shops. I couldnt believe my eyes when I saw a Harry Potter Board Game for £2......yes, two pounds. My two boys are 'expeliarmous' (spelling?) mad at the moment. They live, eat and breath Harry Potter and I far too regularly for my liking have to pretend to be Ron Weasely so think I earned myself some extra brownie points today.
On a down side, I have had enough! Every photo Im in, every shop window I pass, every mirror I try to avoid has a chubby cheeked, squatty little blob smiling back (at least I do smile I guess) so that is it. I finally give in and declare myself officially on a diet. From tomorrow 10th May I set myself a 12 week challenge. I wish I could get running again as this definitely helps me to lose inches but still living at mums, I am already clocking up loads of miles (in the car I hasten to add) getting the boys to school and pre-school and then on to Bude to teach. I feel like I am spending half my life in a car travelling somewhere at the minute and the new beginners group of WRN is just not happening. Once we move back and we live that much nearer and life has calmed down a bit and returned to some sort of normality (whatever the heck that is) I will definitely join again. Im not like some of my friends - I dont really enjoy running as such but love the way it makes me feel afterwards and what it does to my body. So less bread, more water, more fruit, no biscuits with my tea, definitely no more bags of MARS planets and therefore I sadly need to delay the visit to Trelawney Tea rooms which I hear is divine. I am announcing it publicly so that I cant back down. Heres to banishing the bloating and bingo wings and bringing on the beauty.
I hate this recent picture taken at Crealy so Im posting it to compare before and after shots and to spur me on in moments of weakness
On a down side, I have had enough! Every photo Im in, every shop window I pass, every mirror I try to avoid has a chubby cheeked, squatty little blob smiling back (at least I do smile I guess) so that is it. I finally give in and declare myself officially on a diet. From tomorrow 10th May I set myself a 12 week challenge. I wish I could get running again as this definitely helps me to lose inches but still living at mums, I am already clocking up loads of miles (in the car I hasten to add) getting the boys to school and pre-school and then on to Bude to teach. I feel like I am spending half my life in a car travelling somewhere at the minute and the new beginners group of WRN is just not happening. Once we move back and we live that much nearer and life has calmed down a bit and returned to some sort of normality (whatever the heck that is) I will definitely join again. Im not like some of my friends - I dont really enjoy running as such but love the way it makes me feel afterwards and what it does to my body. So less bread, more water, more fruit, no biscuits with my tea, definitely no more bags of MARS planets and therefore I sadly need to delay the visit to Trelawney Tea rooms which I hear is divine. I am announcing it publicly so that I cant back down. Heres to banishing the bloating and bingo wings and bringing on the beauty.
I hate this recent picture taken at Crealy so Im posting it to compare before and after shots and to spur me on in moments of weakness
Friday, 6 May 2011
Sneaky peak at some pics from Deans new gallery for Coastal Carpentry
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| Handcrafted bed made from Stained Glass from a reclaimed pub door |
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| A large extension built for an exquisite country house |
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| Pool house built plus decking and reclaimed posts erected |
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| Close up of the large garden room built |
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| Games room |
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| Front door made with bulls eye glass detail |
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| Interior of the garden room (shame you cant see the work that has gone into the vaulted ceiling) |
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| Hand crafted braces |
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| Oak panelling |
What a clever hubby I have. Cant wait to be living back in my own home under the roof he crafted and the whole house he will have transformed with his own fair hands. Then I'll know how his clients feel having done such a 'proper job'.
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