Thirty one
Planned endeavors
Start new art class
Visit Budapest
Visit Kew gardens
Swim more
join square dance beginners class in Autumn
Achieve chapter eleven in Alpha bears
Resume French on duolingo and learn a few Hungarian phrases.
2017 blog plans
Jan 31 books in 31 days
Feb Postcards of the world continued
March Attempts at art
April NaPoWriMo
May Photo blog
June Bloglists continued
July Free e books continued
Aug Grab bag story challenge
Sept Declutter diary
Oct Attempts at art 2
Nov Craft corner catch up
Dec Daily December Diary
Wishing everyone happiness in the New Year!
Saturday, 31 December 2016
Daily December Diary
Thirty
A post Christmas, pre New Year celebration with our daughter and her boyfriend, cooking and eating, drinking mulled wine, exchange of presents and lots of chat.
A post Christmas, pre New Year celebration with our daughter and her boyfriend, cooking and eating, drinking mulled wine, exchange of presents and lots of chat.
Friday, 30 December 2016
Daily December diary
Twenty nine
Big food shop, thankfully less busy.Sorted books and old computer games ready for recycling to charity shop.Watched The net and Harry Potter.
Big food shop, thankfully less busy.Sorted books and old computer games ready for recycling to charity shop.Watched The net and Harry Potter.
Tuesday, 27 December 2016
Daily December Diary
Twenty seven
Ironing done ,wrapped presents for my daughter and her boyfriend who requested I keep their presents until they visit. Conquered the big boss on Alpha bear to proceed to chapter ten after many months stuck on chapter nine. Watched Call the midwife which I missed on Christmas Day.
Ironing done ,wrapped presents for my daughter and her boyfriend who requested I keep their presents until they visit. Conquered the big boss on Alpha bear to proceed to chapter ten after many months stuck on chapter nine. Watched Call the midwife which I missed on Christmas Day.
Monday, 26 December 2016
Daily December Diary
Twenty six
Playing Mice and Mystics chapter one which we started playing yesterday with our son. A very complex game! finished my final bear!
Playing Mice and Mystics chapter one which we started playing yesterday with our son. A very complex game! finished my final bear!
Sunday, 25 December 2016
Daily December Diary
Twenty four
Our son came home at eleven. After a Chinese meal for lunch we headed to the airport to collect our niece, coming home for Christmas from her studies in Hong Kong. An hours drive to deliver her home. Coffee and mango cheesecake home made by my talented sister in law, then home with a tray of home made pork pastries. watched Lady in the Van.
Our son came home at eleven. After a Chinese meal for lunch we headed to the airport to collect our niece, coming home for Christmas from her studies in Hong Kong. An hours drive to deliver her home. Coffee and mango cheesecake home made by my talented sister in law, then home with a tray of home made pork pastries. watched Lady in the Van.
Friday, 23 December 2016
Daily December Diary
Twenty two
Out at 9a.m. to complete our pre Christmas food shop. Still busy but less so than in previous years and less expensive than I had expected too! In the afternoon completed this!
Out at 9a.m. to complete our pre Christmas food shop. Still busy but less so than in previous years and less expensive than I had expected too! In the afternoon completed this!
Daily December Diary
Twenty one
Delivered cards for our neighbours then off to local shops for money, milk and medication. In the afternoon completed bear number two.
Delivered cards for our neighbours then off to local shops for money, milk and medication. In the afternoon completed bear number two.
Wednesday, 21 December 2016
Daily December Diary
Twenty
Rereading book of Deacon in the Legends collection. I love this book by Joseph Lallo. Completed penguin number three, this one I was able to make up without rereading the instructions.
Two and three together!
Rereading book of Deacon in the Legends collection. I love this book by Joseph Lallo. Completed penguin number three, this one I was able to make up without rereading the instructions.
Daily December Diary
Nineteen
Another fruit salad made, this one with longans, strawberries, grapes and mango for our after zumba Christmas buffet. Zumba gold was fun with a few seasonal songs then a shared buffet meal in the hall with a selection of canapes, cheeses, mince pies and sausage rolls and non alcoholic mulled wine. In the afternoon made up penguin number two.
Another fruit salad made, this one with longans, strawberries, grapes and mango for our after zumba Christmas buffet. Zumba gold was fun with a few seasonal songs then a shared buffet meal in the hall with a selection of canapes, cheeses, mince pies and sausage rolls and non alcoholic mulled wine. In the afternoon made up penguin number two.
Monday, 19 December 2016
Daily December Diary
Eighteen
Dreary and dark with heavier fog. Had to put lights on at two o clock today. A lazy Sunday reading and relaxing with a bit of ironing. Ate too many chocolates and mince pies!
Dreary and dark with heavier fog. Had to put lights on at two o clock today. A lazy Sunday reading and relaxing with a bit of ironing. Ate too many chocolates and mince pies!
Sunday, 18 December 2016
Daily December Diary
Seventeen
A trip with son, daughter and partners to visit my sister and family for Christmas get together, superb meal, game of ticket to ride and exchange of presents, then son drove us
home for an evening Chinese meal before they returned to their flat
A trip with son, daughter and partners to visit my sister and family for Christmas get together, superb meal, game of ticket to ride and exchange of presents, then son drove us
Saturday, 17 December 2016
Daily December Diary
Sixteen
Our sparrows are back now they have food again, also blue tits and a robin. Spent the morning wrapping presents. Cooked a chicken curry, steamed salmon, pak choi and mackerel salad at lunch time. then made up party bear and more wrapping
In the evening out for a meal at a local Malaysian restaurant with authentic food and good company.
Rojak, yellow chicken, popiah, fried rice with salt fish and fried rice noodles. Yum!
Our sparrows are back now they have food again, also blue tits and a robin. Spent the morning wrapping presents. Cooked a chicken curry, steamed salmon, pak choi and mackerel salad at lunch time. then made up party bear and more wrapping
Rojak, yellow chicken, popiah, fried rice with salt fish and fried rice noodles. Yum!
Thursday, 15 December 2016
Daily December Diary
Fifteen
Breakfast, shower and fruit salad made by 8.30 a.m.
My go to dessert for sharing! Three fruits with a refreshing honey and lime glaze. Then off to choir to help set up for our annual Christmas entertainment{ from members of the choir} and buffet after. All bring a dish or monetary contribution. Preceded by our usual concert evaluation from our esteemed conductor. A lighthearted way to end the year after the stress of performance.
Breakfast, shower and fruit salad made by 8.30 a.m.
Daily December Diary
Fourteen
I intended to walk with my walking group today but got my bus times mixed up so had to send apologies, so weekly food shop this morning and trip to post office to send package and overseas cards. the afternoon spent completing knitting and making up this Kokeshi doll from Flutterby. Not a perfect result but a fun project.
I intended to walk with my walking group today but got my bus times mixed up so had to send apologies, so weekly food shop this morning and trip to post office to send package and overseas cards. the afternoon spent completing knitting and making up this Kokeshi doll from Flutterby. Not a perfect result but a fun project.
Wednesday, 14 December 2016
Daily December Diary
Thirteen
Addressed my cards for sending to France and Germany and wrapped presents ready to send to my niece. A visit to my auntie this afternoon, coffee and cake and a lovely chat. Despite a few memory problems at age 88, she can still remember the names of five nuns who taught her in school and the subjects they taught.
Addressed my cards for sending to France and Germany and wrapped presents ready to send to my niece. A visit to my auntie this afternoon, coffee and cake and a lovely chat. Despite a few memory problems at age 88, she can still remember the names of five nuns who taught her in school and the subjects they taught.
Tuesday, 13 December 2016
Daily December diary
Twelve
Feeling a bit under the weather today, the effects of a hectic week or too much mulled wine so sent apologies to my Monday singing group and spent a quiet day at home, healthy eating, lots of clementines and Vietnamese green soup for lunch. Wrote letters to my German and French penfriends so I can send them to hopefully arrive before Christmas plus reading my way through an enjoyable free book bundle called legends.
Feeling a bit under the weather today, the effects of a hectic week or too much mulled wine so sent apologies to my Monday singing group and spent a quiet day at home, healthy eating, lots of clementines and Vietnamese green soup for lunch. Wrote letters to my German and French penfriends so I can send them to hopefully arrive before Christmas plus reading my way through an enjoyable free book bundle called legends.
Daily December diary
Eleven
My husband fed the birds today, with bird feed bought from Costco, after a long gap. We were rewarded by five long tail tits swooping to eat the fat. Early evening attended a Christmas soiree,
mulled wine and canapes and sublime tenor singing seasonal songs with superb piano accompanist ,with time to chat with friends. Our hostess is amazing to open her house for these wonderful occasions.
My husband fed the birds today, with bird feed bought from Costco, after a long gap. We were rewarded by five long tail tits swooping to eat the fat. Early evening attended a Christmas soiree,
mulled wine and canapes and sublime tenor singing seasonal songs with superb piano accompanist ,with time to chat with friends. Our hostess is amazing to open her house for these wonderful occasions.
Sunday, 11 December 2016
Daily December Diary
Ten
A busy day, did a bit of much needed tidying. Daughter and her boyfriend arrived at 11.45. A quick cup of tea then off to Costco for shopping, Wing Yip for dim sum and more shopping then home with a full car! Tea and chat then got ready for concert. Lift to the venue with my neighbour{and singing friend} On arrival realised I'd forgotten my reading glasses! Luckily able to borrow a pair which enabled me to read the music, if making my view of our conductor slightly blurry! My daughter, son and partners in the front row. Concert still had a few mistakes but better than dress rehearsal. We will have a full autopsy on Thursday. Lift home with daughter and boyfriend and cup of tea with them before they loaded their shopping and returned to their flat.
A busy day, did a bit of much needed tidying. Daughter and her boyfriend arrived at 11.45. A quick cup of tea then off to Costco for shopping, Wing Yip for dim sum and more shopping then home with a full car! Tea and chat then got ready for concert. Lift to the venue with my neighbour{and singing friend} On arrival realised I'd forgotten my reading glasses! Luckily able to borrow a pair which enabled me to read the music, if making my view of our conductor slightly blurry! My daughter, son and partners in the front row. Concert still had a few mistakes but better than dress rehearsal. We will have a full autopsy on Thursday. Lift home with daughter and boyfriend and cup of tea with them before they loaded their shopping and returned to their flat.
Friday, 9 December 2016
Daily December Diary
Nine
Coffee in bed with a very purry companion, Singing for fun Christmas concert this morning, a much more relaxed and enjoyable experience. Dressed in seasonal red and green we sang a selection of melodic songs mostly in two parts including; walking in the air, Maria Wiegendlied, child of the stable, and carols for audience participation. Cut my husband's hair this afternoon and continued with the process of writing Christmas cards.
Coffee in bed with a very purry companion, Singing for fun Christmas concert this morning, a much more relaxed and enjoyable experience. Dressed in seasonal red and green we sang a selection of melodic songs mostly in two parts including; walking in the air, Maria Wiegendlied, child of the stable, and carols for audience participation. Cut my husband's hair this afternoon and continued with the process of writing Christmas cards.
Daily December Diary
Eight
Dress rehearsal for the choir Christmas concert on Saturday. After sorting out logistics, how to wear our new red scarves,how many chairs to set out, how best to manage black folders and carol books, a full rehearsal of the program of readings and songs. It didn't go well and the more our singing technique and mistakes were criticized the worse our singing became! Left the venue feeling disheartened so can only hope the performance is better on the night. On the positive side our house guest of two months has left to spend Christmas with his family so I can revert to my usual practice of eating breakfast in my pajamas! A visit from our son in the evening cheered me up too.
Dress rehearsal for the choir Christmas concert on Saturday. After sorting out logistics, how to wear our new red scarves,how many chairs to set out, how best to manage black folders and carol books, a full rehearsal of the program of readings and songs. It didn't go well and the more our singing technique and mistakes were criticized the worse our singing became! Left the venue feeling disheartened so can only hope the performance is better on the night. On the positive side our house guest of two months has left to spend Christmas with his family so I can revert to my usual practice of eating breakfast in my pajamas! A visit from our son in the evening cheered me up too.
Wednesday, 7 December 2016
Daily December Diary
Seven
So yesterday,I did no ironing but did make up this little fella, the first of my penguins ready to post off to my niece as a little seasonal extra. The detailed instructions on the Flutterby blog were very clear to follow. Still writing cards, food shop done and a much needed trip to the hairdressers. Emailed a reply to a fellow postcrosser who wanted to know where a Canadian Mail a Moose card I sent was purchased! Postcards received from Belarus{ yesterday} and China today.
Tuesday, 6 December 2016
Daily December Diary
Six
Writing Christmas cards and letters today, hopefully can post the majority tomorrow.When I need a break, will try to clear my ironing pile too!
Writing Christmas cards and letters today, hopefully can post the majority tomorrow.When I need a break, will try to clear my ironing pile too!
Monday, 5 December 2016
Daily December Diary
Five
Two buses{ very full} to travel to Encore singing group at Liz's house. An early coffee break as our vocal coach was late. Coffee,home made mince pie and a glass of Irish cream followed by vocal exercises and singing parts of Jerome Kern medley. Further coffee then ending with Chattanooga choo choo. Our vocal coach was sporting a very fetching turquoise quiff! Home for lunch, two more episodes of Modus, ironing and registered two postcards from Germany and Portugal. This evening will be enjoying a meal with my walking group at our local Slug and Lettuce.
Two buses{ very full} to travel to Encore singing group at Liz's house. An early coffee break as our vocal coach was late. Coffee,home made mince pie and a glass of Irish cream followed by vocal exercises and singing parts of Jerome Kern medley. Further coffee then ending with Chattanooga choo choo. Our vocal coach was sporting a very fetching turquoise quiff! Home for lunch, two more episodes of Modus, ironing and registered two postcards from Germany and Portugal. This evening will be enjoying a meal with my walking group at our local Slug and Lettuce.
Sunday, 4 December 2016
Daily December Diary
Four
To the cinema today to meet my daughter, luxury seating in recline and dine. We did not dine but did recline as we watched " Fantastic Beasts" Very enjoyable followed by lunch in Comptoir Libonais, Chicken,feta salad and spiced hot chocolate then home on the bus. Chat and tea then Chinese takeaway before driving her home with more food, toilet rolls and her Christmas tree!
To the cinema today to meet my daughter, luxury seating in recline and dine. We did not dine but did recline as we watched " Fantastic Beasts" Very enjoyable followed by lunch in Comptoir Libonais, Chicken,feta salad and spiced hot chocolate then home on the bus. Chat and tea then Chinese takeaway before driving her home with more food, toilet rolls and her Christmas tree!
Saturday, 3 December 2016
Daily December Diary
Three
Coffee in bed and cuddles with the cat to start the day! Finished knitting mini penguins, three in total so now just need to make them all up and knit sleeves and hands for Kokeshi doll and neckbands for teddy bear dresses, and embroider features and sew in loose ends. Phoned my aunt to arrange a date to visit, emailed my German penfriend to say thank you for the beautiful advent calendar. Watched first two episodes of a Scandinavian thriller on I player called Modus. Very good, eagerly awaiting the next installment. Finished reading Cursed[elves] and started Butterfly Islands, not sure about the storyline yet, maybe a tad far fetched but it may grow on me. Ironing pile decreasing too!
Coffee in bed and cuddles with the cat to start the day! Finished knitting mini penguins, three in total so now just need to make them all up and knit sleeves and hands for Kokeshi doll and neckbands for teddy bear dresses, and embroider features and sew in loose ends. Phoned my aunt to arrange a date to visit, emailed my German penfriend to say thank you for the beautiful advent calendar. Watched first two episodes of a Scandinavian thriller on I player called Modus. Very good, eagerly awaiting the next installment. Finished reading Cursed[elves] and started Butterfly Islands, not sure about the storyline yet, maybe a tad far fetched but it may grow on me. Ironing pile decreasing too!
Friday, 2 December 2016
Daily December Diary
Two
One very unhappy cat, starved as instructed and definitely unhappy to go back in her carry box was delivered to the vet at 8.30 a.m.with instructions to phone at midday. Time for a quick coffee before catching the bus to go to " Singing for fun". The last practice for our Christmas concert next Friday. A much more relaxed process with our vocal coach Beth with time for coffee and chat midway.
My husband met me at the bus stop then straight to the vet to collect our cat. No abnormal blood results so carry on as normal unless she has another episode. Now reading an elvish tale. Finished second snowman hat and scarf and about to start two penguins! Trying a recipe recommended by a friend for a salad of sweetheart cabbage,mayonnaise, black pepper and olive oil{chilli flavoured} to accompany roast chicken, chips and salads.
One very unhappy cat, starved as instructed and definitely unhappy to go back in her carry box was delivered to the vet at 8.30 a.m.with instructions to phone at midday. Time for a quick coffee before catching the bus to go to " Singing for fun". The last practice for our Christmas concert next Friday. A much more relaxed process with our vocal coach Beth with time for coffee and chat midway.
My husband met me at the bus stop then straight to the vet to collect our cat. No abnormal blood results so carry on as normal unless she has another episode. Now reading an elvish tale. Finished second snowman hat and scarf and about to start two penguins! Trying a recipe recommended by a friend for a salad of sweetheart cabbage,mayonnaise, black pepper and olive oil{chilli flavoured} to accompany roast chicken, chips and salads.
Thursday, 1 December 2016
Daily December Diary
One
Choir this morning, our last practice before the dress rehearsal and concert next week. An intensive rehearsal with a tense choir master, always the way so close to performance. An advent calendar from my German penfriend arrived in the post, a lovely surprise! Reading an absorbing ghostly thriller, a token amount of ironing, then a trip to the vet as our beautiful cat had a fit this morning. After a thorough examination she was booked in for blood tests tomorrow.
Choir this morning, our last practice before the dress rehearsal and concert next week. An intensive rehearsal with a tense choir master, always the way so close to performance. An advent calendar from my German penfriend arrived in the post, a lovely surprise! Reading an absorbing ghostly thriller, a token amount of ironing, then a trip to the vet as our beautiful cat had a fit this morning. After a thorough examination she was booked in for blood tests tomorrow.
Monday, 28 November 2016
Craft corner catch up
Nine
Half way through heart number four. These are so easy to knit! Will post pictures of completed bears, kokeshi, snowmen, penguins and hearts in my daily December diary as I complete them!
Half way through heart number four. These are so easy to knit! Will post pictures of completed bears, kokeshi, snowmen, penguins and hearts in my daily December diary as I complete them!
Friday, 25 November 2016
Craft corner catch up
Eight
Knitting for bear three complete including party bag. Knitted body and head for kokeshi doll using brilliant Flutterby pattern free on Ravelry. Half way through knitting a super easy heart coaster using Julie and the Knits free pattern. Will knit more of these until my chunky wool ball runs out. Then penguins and snowmen from more free Flutterby patterns
Knitting for bear three complete including party bag. Knitted body and head for kokeshi doll using brilliant Flutterby pattern free on Ravelry. Half way through knitting a super easy heart coaster using Julie and the Knits free pattern. Will knit more of these until my chunky wool ball runs out. Then penguins and snowmen from more free Flutterby patterns
Sunday, 20 November 2016
Craft corner catch up
seven
Knitting for bear two complete apart from dress neckband. Started on bear three, final one which is a party bear.Head and body front completed including turquoise socks.
Knitting for bear two complete apart from dress neckband. Started on bear three, final one which is a party bear.Head and body front completed including turquoise socks.
Tuesday, 15 November 2016
Craft corner catch up
Six
Head, two bodies with legs and one arm completed for bear two, just one arm to complete then I can knit her pretty pink dress and ballet shoes!
Head, two bodies with legs and one arm completed for bear two, just one arm to complete then I can knit her pretty pink dress and ballet shoes!
Sunday, 13 November 2016
Craft corner catch up
Five
Yesterday completed two bootee toppings, one muff and one hat, so only need to knit neckband for dress and make pom pom for hat to complete knitting part for bear one. Have sorted wool for two more bears and started on bear number two, a ballerina bear!
Yesterday completed two bootee toppings, one muff and one hat, so only need to knit neckband for dress and make pom pom for hat to complete knitting part for bear one. Have sorted wool for two more bears and started on bear number two, a ballerina bear!
Saturday, 12 November 2016
Craft corner catch up
Four
Bear stuffing and eyes have now arrived. Second shoe and two dress sleeves completed.
Bear stuffing and eyes have now arrived. Second shoe and two dress sleeves completed.
Wednesday, 9 November 2016
Craft corner catch up
Three
More packages today! A good selection including black for bear noses.
buttons, and more buttons
shoe number one
Tuesday, 8 November 2016
Craft corner catch up
Two
Head and two arms
body and legs front and back
Dress front and back minus neckband and sleeves
First accessory delivery, a selection of ribbons!
Tuesday, 1 November 2016
Craft Corner catch up 2016
One
Decided to knit some bears using patterns from " Little Bears to knit and crochet by Val Pierce"
Having knitted the five components to make up my first bear, am about to start on clothes for "Christmas Holly" in red and white. Bears are very easy to knit all in garter stitch so let's see how much progress I can make in November!
Decided to knit some bears using patterns from " Little Bears to knit and crochet by Val Pierce"
Having knitted the five components to make up my first bear, am about to start on clothes for "Christmas Holly" in red and white. Bears are very easy to knit all in garter stitch so let's see how much progress I can make in November!
Tuesday, 18 October 2016
Monday, 17 October 2016
Sunday, 16 October 2016
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)