Evening All!
Sorry, been really busy with the house and Christmas fairs!
Kitchen is still a tip, chicken run looks amazing and I still have boxes everywhere.
Back to work in a day or two, but will upload pictures to my laptop now and try and get posting this week!
TTFN,
C x x x
Friday, December 02, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
The tin has been opened
Evening everyone.
A busy week so far. Work got in the way for a few days, but have enjoyed my 2 days off. Waited in all day for EDF energy to come round and take out the awful key meter and replace it with a standard one. They didn't show up. All day listening for the door, unable to leave the house and for what?? The call centre staff were very apologetic. Not their fault, but honestly, now I have to make another appointment and stay in again. I hope they forget my first bill.
I took a few pictures of the garden and hens today. Work starts on the chicken run on Monday and I can't wait. The girls are all moulting now and have stopped laying for the winter. The past couple of days the temperature has really dropped and they have gone into winter mode. Eating more and sleeping lots!
A little picture of my garden gate (fascinating n'est Pas)??!
...and one of my tiny garden.
The walk in run will be at the end, where all the shrubs are. It should be just about the width of the garden, with a small lean to on the left. Proper roof and guttering, with an eglu on the ground outside and one on a table above it. Will be great when it is done as I won't have to worry about them when away.
The electrician has been and informed me I need a new fuse box with an RCD unit. All Greek to me, but it means that I can have an outside plug!! I need one desperately for the chickens. Not for their hairdryers, but for the new fandangled-electric-drinker-thingy that stops the water freezing. It is just a low voltage plastic disc, that the metal drinker sits on. The days of lighting a tea light in a jam jar won't work here at Bramble Cottage as I don't know the neighbours well enough to ask them to do it. When I am away it will make life so much easier.
I have now spent the evening talking to EDF energy. I should have stuck with Southern electric, but spookily enough, it is Southern electric that were supposed to take out the meter, even though my account is with EDF. I had no idea that electricity companies were so incestuous!! The lovely Melanie is going to call me back. I hope.
Fire is lit, Stanley is warming the kitchen and I have a few orange slices drying in the warming oven. The house smells like Christmas again.
I am doing a fair on Saturday. A local primary school, so have spent the day sorting out things for that. Need to bake lots of gingerbread men on Friday. They proved popular at the Michaelmas fair in September. Will be a challenge in the Rayburn.
Right, time to put the tin of Celebrations away. Stress with electricity companies forced me to open it. I think 15 Bounties, Milky ways and Galaxies will do for today. No will power. Shouldn't have bought them in the first place.
TTFN.
C x x x
A busy week so far. Work got in the way for a few days, but have enjoyed my 2 days off. Waited in all day for EDF energy to come round and take out the awful key meter and replace it with a standard one. They didn't show up. All day listening for the door, unable to leave the house and for what?? The call centre staff were very apologetic. Not their fault, but honestly, now I have to make another appointment and stay in again. I hope they forget my first bill.
I took a few pictures of the garden and hens today. Work starts on the chicken run on Monday and I can't wait. The girls are all moulting now and have stopped laying for the winter. The past couple of days the temperature has really dropped and they have gone into winter mode. Eating more and sleeping lots!
A little picture of my garden gate (fascinating n'est Pas)??!
...and one of my tiny garden.
The walk in run will be at the end, where all the shrubs are. It should be just about the width of the garden, with a small lean to on the left. Proper roof and guttering, with an eglu on the ground outside and one on a table above it. Will be great when it is done as I won't have to worry about them when away.
The electrician has been and informed me I need a new fuse box with an RCD unit. All Greek to me, but it means that I can have an outside plug!! I need one desperately for the chickens. Not for their hairdryers, but for the new fandangled-electric-drinker-thingy that stops the water freezing. It is just a low voltage plastic disc, that the metal drinker sits on. The days of lighting a tea light in a jam jar won't work here at Bramble Cottage as I don't know the neighbours well enough to ask them to do it. When I am away it will make life so much easier.
I have now spent the evening talking to EDF energy. I should have stuck with Southern electric, but spookily enough, it is Southern electric that were supposed to take out the meter, even though my account is with EDF. I had no idea that electricity companies were so incestuous!! The lovely Melanie is going to call me back. I hope.
Fire is lit, Stanley is warming the kitchen and I have a few orange slices drying in the warming oven. The house smells like Christmas again.
I am doing a fair on Saturday. A local primary school, so have spent the day sorting out things for that. Need to bake lots of gingerbread men on Friday. They proved popular at the Michaelmas fair in September. Will be a challenge in the Rayburn.
Right, time to put the tin of Celebrations away. Stress with electricity companies forced me to open it. I think 15 Bounties, Milky ways and Galaxies will do for today. No will power. Shouldn't have bought them in the first place.
TTFN.
C x x x
Sunday, November 06, 2011
Introducing Bramble Cottage!
Hello everyone!
I am back! It has been a rough week and my back is knackered after moving. The day before we left Farm Cottage, we had water dripping through a light fitting in the ceiling! Emergency plumber called - a roof problem not a burst pipe! Luckily Rob our neighbour shimmied onto the roof like a nimble mountain goat and sorted out the problem.
Our buyer was on holiday until yesterday, so we moved everything out on completion date. I left the hens there for a couple of extra days, just to give myself a bit of time to settle here. Building on their walk in run will start on the 21st of November! So excited. It'll look fab and have a small lean to for me to store all their feed/bedding etc.
I got the keys for Bramble on Friday 28th at 11am. The removal company had moved everything in by 12 and then left with their cheque. Then followed 2-3 days of cleaning as the people had left the house filthy. They took lightbulbs, the fire grate, the door knocker and only left £5 on the awful electric key meter. They lied about the parking spaces, disputes with neighbours and barking dogs, not to mention cat hair in a sleeping-cat-sized mark on the bedroom carpet. That's right, they didn't even vacuum before they left. Peasants. I ripped the filthy bedroom carpet up within 2 hours of moving in. Mum took one look at the toilet seat and asked where the nearest Homebase was. I won't write about the state of the toilet seat. You might be eating.
It was an emotional time for Jase and I, but we will always be friends and there are no regrets. I have thoroughly enjoyed the past 7 years. Time to go our separate ways, but we will see each other I'm sure. I have been told my beef olive recipe is the best, not to mention my lasagne and chilli, so he will be a regular dinner guest at Bramble Cottage!
Right, now I need to explain a few things. The decor (although it is ok, just plain white), curtains and light fittings are NOT my choice. They will do until I get organised enough to replace everything. Just time and cash being the major stumbling blocks.
Anyway, onto the pictures as I know you are chomping at the bit!
The view from the gravel track -
The bush on the left of the door has been dug up. Mum and I have planted 100 daffodil bulbs along the length of the house.
My kitchen with Stanley the Rayburn!
And now - not much better -
The plan is to have a worktop over the washing machine with a hob and oven next to it. Stanley is still in the fireplace and is doing a lovely job at warming the house!
The lounge with widescreen telly (don't laugh)!
The wonderful little door hiding my stairs! I have always wanted that!
My bedroom -
and now -
The spare room or 'sewing corner' as it is now known. Complete with an ugly sink in each room. Handy though!
Just half of what I have for the craft fair this year.
I have a problem with crafting....
The little built in cupboards in the spare room.
The one of the left is called my BA cupboard. All my uniform and work related stuff fits in, so I can hide it all away!!
The conservatory is so full of junk that I can't take a picture. Once the kitchen floor has been tiled, the carpenter (the lovely Matt) will start work on the work tops and units. I need a hob and oven to use in the summer as Stanley the Rayburn kicks out too much heat to use all year round.
Having lived in the area for 5+ years, I have discovered a wondered shop. Well, it is actually a barn. They use old floorboards and reclaimed timber to make the most stunning furniture. Old dressers, tables, bookcases etc all made from floorboards, windows or any wood they can get their hands on. I have ordered antique reclaimed pine work tops that they are making out of wide floorboards! The guy that runs it also makes shelves, so I have ordered 2 oak shelves for the kitchen - one above the Rayburn and the other for storing my small *cough* collection of Le Parfait jars!
I went in this week to finalise my order and told the guy that although his furniture is amazing, he needs to 'dress' it. The bookcases need a few books, the dressers need a plant, tea cups and saucers and a few gingham hearts would add to the appeal. He has asked me to come back and help him style the showroom as he admitted he hasn't got a clue! *rolls up sleeves and gets the fabric ready* The fact that his Brother in law works for Laura Ashley and is recently single had nothing to do with me offering to help...............but think of the discount. *wink*
Oil was delivered last week, so I got on my tummy (not easy with my dodgy back) and tried to light the burner. Something I will not be doing often as it is such a faff. Once lit, Stanley - yes, he has a name thanks to Susie - is so hot. I have turned him down to number one, but even then the heat is quite something! It will take some getting used to, as cooking on a Rayburn is alien to me, but the roast potatoes I did yesterday were lovely!
Logs were delivered today and the lovely man knew that my back was playing up, so stacked all the wood for me! I didn't have any extra cash in the house, so I gave him a jar of jam, some limestone flour for his hens who are laying thin shelled eggs and 3 chocolate snowmen for his children!
Taking of snowmen, I hinted about them in a previous post! 32 made so far, each filled with a bar of Dairy milk. I hope they will be popular!
It is less than 2 weeks until I am doing the Appleshaw school fair and I have to learn how to bake in my new oven. Shouldn't be that difficult I hear you say! Well it is! The temperature gauge either says 0C or 260C so a bit of guess work is in order. And a new temperature gauge!
All in all, I have to say I LOVE IT HERE. The beams, the quirks, steps, walls that won't allow you to put up a shelf as they are so out, the dreadful economy 7 heating - all of it is fab! It will take some time for me to get it the way I would like it, but so far, very happy. Mum and Dad have been great, coming over all the time and helping. Jase and Dad cleaned out the gutters, as the plants growing in there were getting unruly! Friends have been dropping in and it is lovely.
To everyone on here and Facebook, that have sent me cards and wished me well, thank you! Sorry it has taken so long to write my blog, but in fairness BT only connected my broadband 2 days ago!
I am back to work on Tuesday, boo, but I have to pay the mortgage somehow.
Will write more soon.
C x x
I am back! It has been a rough week and my back is knackered after moving. The day before we left Farm Cottage, we had water dripping through a light fitting in the ceiling! Emergency plumber called - a roof problem not a burst pipe! Luckily Rob our neighbour shimmied onto the roof like a nimble mountain goat and sorted out the problem.
Our buyer was on holiday until yesterday, so we moved everything out on completion date. I left the hens there for a couple of extra days, just to give myself a bit of time to settle here. Building on their walk in run will start on the 21st of November! So excited. It'll look fab and have a small lean to for me to store all their feed/bedding etc.
I got the keys for Bramble on Friday 28th at 11am. The removal company had moved everything in by 12 and then left with their cheque. Then followed 2-3 days of cleaning as the people had left the house filthy. They took lightbulbs, the fire grate, the door knocker and only left £5 on the awful electric key meter. They lied about the parking spaces, disputes with neighbours and barking dogs, not to mention cat hair in a sleeping-cat-sized mark on the bedroom carpet. That's right, they didn't even vacuum before they left. Peasants. I ripped the filthy bedroom carpet up within 2 hours of moving in. Mum took one look at the toilet seat and asked where the nearest Homebase was. I won't write about the state of the toilet seat. You might be eating.
It was an emotional time for Jase and I, but we will always be friends and there are no regrets. I have thoroughly enjoyed the past 7 years. Time to go our separate ways, but we will see each other I'm sure. I have been told my beef olive recipe is the best, not to mention my lasagne and chilli, so he will be a regular dinner guest at Bramble Cottage!
Right, now I need to explain a few things. The decor (although it is ok, just plain white), curtains and light fittings are NOT my choice. They will do until I get organised enough to replace everything. Just time and cash being the major stumbling blocks.
Anyway, onto the pictures as I know you are chomping at the bit!
The view from the gravel track -
The bush on the left of the door has been dug up. Mum and I have planted 100 daffodil bulbs along the length of the house.
My kitchen with Stanley the Rayburn!
And now - not much better -
The plan is to have a worktop over the washing machine with a hob and oven next to it. Stanley is still in the fireplace and is doing a lovely job at warming the house!
The lounge with widescreen telly (don't laugh)!
The wonderful little door hiding my stairs! I have always wanted that!
My bedroom -
and now -
The spare room or 'sewing corner' as it is now known. Complete with an ugly sink in each room. Handy though!
Just half of what I have for the craft fair this year.
I have a problem with crafting....
The little built in cupboards in the spare room.
The one of the left is called my BA cupboard. All my uniform and work related stuff fits in, so I can hide it all away!!
The conservatory is so full of junk that I can't take a picture. Once the kitchen floor has been tiled, the carpenter (the lovely Matt) will start work on the work tops and units. I need a hob and oven to use in the summer as Stanley the Rayburn kicks out too much heat to use all year round.
Having lived in the area for 5+ years, I have discovered a wondered shop. Well, it is actually a barn. They use old floorboards and reclaimed timber to make the most stunning furniture. Old dressers, tables, bookcases etc all made from floorboards, windows or any wood they can get their hands on. I have ordered antique reclaimed pine work tops that they are making out of wide floorboards! The guy that runs it also makes shelves, so I have ordered 2 oak shelves for the kitchen - one above the Rayburn and the other for storing my small *cough* collection of Le Parfait jars!
I went in this week to finalise my order and told the guy that although his furniture is amazing, he needs to 'dress' it. The bookcases need a few books, the dressers need a plant, tea cups and saucers and a few gingham hearts would add to the appeal. He has asked me to come back and help him style the showroom as he admitted he hasn't got a clue! *rolls up sleeves and gets the fabric ready* The fact that his Brother in law works for Laura Ashley and is recently single had nothing to do with me offering to help...............but think of the discount. *wink*
Oil was delivered last week, so I got on my tummy (not easy with my dodgy back) and tried to light the burner. Something I will not be doing often as it is such a faff. Once lit, Stanley - yes, he has a name thanks to Susie - is so hot. I have turned him down to number one, but even then the heat is quite something! It will take some getting used to, as cooking on a Rayburn is alien to me, but the roast potatoes I did yesterday were lovely!
Logs were delivered today and the lovely man knew that my back was playing up, so stacked all the wood for me! I didn't have any extra cash in the house, so I gave him a jar of jam, some limestone flour for his hens who are laying thin shelled eggs and 3 chocolate snowmen for his children!
Taking of snowmen, I hinted about them in a previous post! 32 made so far, each filled with a bar of Dairy milk. I hope they will be popular!
It is less than 2 weeks until I am doing the Appleshaw school fair and I have to learn how to bake in my new oven. Shouldn't be that difficult I hear you say! Well it is! The temperature gauge either says 0C or 260C so a bit of guess work is in order. And a new temperature gauge!
All in all, I have to say I LOVE IT HERE. The beams, the quirks, steps, walls that won't allow you to put up a shelf as they are so out, the dreadful economy 7 heating - all of it is fab! It will take some time for me to get it the way I would like it, but so far, very happy. Mum and Dad have been great, coming over all the time and helping. Jase and Dad cleaned out the gutters, as the plants growing in there were getting unruly! Friends have been dropping in and it is lovely.
To everyone on here and Facebook, that have sent me cards and wished me well, thank you! Sorry it has taken so long to write my blog, but in fairness BT only connected my broadband 2 days ago!
I am back to work on Tuesday, boo, but I have to pay the mortgage somehow.
Will write more soon.
C x x
Sunday, October 23, 2011
on the move.....
WE HAVE EXCHANGED CONTRACTS!! Yay!!!
Moving date set for the 28th of October. Still waiting for work to give me the day off.......*rolls eyes*
Bramble Cottage will soon be mine. So excited, but a little bit scared and sad. The end of an era, but the start of something new. I hope I will be happy there.
Our buyer is going on holiday, so won't be moving in for a couple of weeks. I have decided to leave the hens here for a couple of extra days (cheeky, yes, but she won't know)!! At least then I have a few days to set up the run etc and to try and make the move as stress free for them as possible.
Thanks to everyone for their kind words and support over the past few months.
As soon as I can, I'll post pictures and update you all about my new home :0)
C x x
Moving date set for the 28th of October. Still waiting for work to give me the day off.......*rolls eyes*
Bramble Cottage will soon be mine. So excited, but a little bit scared and sad. The end of an era, but the start of something new. I hope I will be happy there.
Our buyer is going on holiday, so won't be moving in for a couple of weeks. I have decided to leave the hens here for a couple of extra days (cheeky, yes, but she won't know)!! At least then I have a few days to set up the run etc and to try and make the move as stress free for them as possible.
Thanks to everyone for their kind words and support over the past few months.
As soon as I can, I'll post pictures and update you all about my new home :0)
C x x
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Christmas Fair...
Just wanted to post a little reminder for anyone that might be local.......come along and say hello!. It is a lovely little fair and very festive! Parkers chocolate shop is well worth a visit and there are loads of usual present ideas in the various shops and stalls!
Mention my blog when you come and visit me and I might even drop a few extras in your bag! ;0)
Monday, October 10, 2011
Can you tell what it is yet?
Well, not a lot going on here. Frantic calls to Estate agents, that are not being returned. No news from Solicitors - apart from the fact that our buyer STILL hasn't received her mortgage offer. My sellers are now starting to panic, so hopefully between all of us things should start moving when we start hassling the solicitors again. It seems strange that there is no urgency, as the sooner we complete, the sooner all involved get paid. You would think they would want that asap........
Christmas season has hit the shops! Yay!! I love it! It started with this, tucked away on the bottom shelf of Co op -
I love the simple Scandi look and fancy this for my house -
(which ever house that may be! No, think positively Christian)!
It started me off on a rollercoaster of Christmas this week. Firstly, cute little felt stockings for the tree -
2 pieces of felt, a couple of buttons and a simple blanket stitch all the way around. I have made 10 so far, just sat watching tv of an evening.
With Christmas carols playing in the office, there was no stopping me. I started on a lovely idea I saw on a blog last year, but can't remember where. Jase managed to sort the printer out and I printed these off onto card stock.
With the addition of red fleece -
(The chocolate is part of the finished item, not just a mid craft snack for me)! I will show you next time what I created! Keep guessing!
I went to Quilter's Dream last week and came back with a good stash of Christmas fabric.
The plan is to make mini bunting for the mantle piece to sell at the fair in November. Couldn't resist the blue flowery fabric - will make shopping bags with that.
The red and white fabric is stunning, although very expensive. I love Tilda fabric and designs, but it is so pricey. This was the last piece they had, so I made a few stockings out of it - along with my gorgeous fabric from Copenhagen.
I sold quite a few traditional 'sock' stockings last year and must admit that I prefer them to the other kind. Something oldy worldy about them.
Elsbeth and Agnes are still laying. Pru was very vocal last week - as she is being now - and to my surprise she laid an egg! A long torpedo egg as we call it. Cornelia is still dropping feathers everywhere, but has started eating more and rushing to the mixed corn in the late afternoon. The weather is turning now and the trees have started to drop their leaves. Not long before we start with frost in the morning.....
I mentioned the berries at the side of the house. An overgrown something-or-other bush, can't remember the name. Well, this time last year it had loads of berries and I warned Jase that it meant a harsh winter. Look at it this year!
It is going to be bad, the bushes know! They are providing food for the birds. Trust me.
The veggie garden is past it now. I think the temperature must have dropped quite low the other night, as my beans and potato plants are no more. I did manage to dig up the last handful of carrots - a stump ended variety, that did very well this year.
The rest of the garden I will just leave now. It is all dying back and after the aggro that our buyer has put us through (whether intentional or not), I refuse to tidy things up for her. I might still plant up some strawberry runners if I get a chance though.
At the weekend, we went to Basingstoke's Haymarket Theatre, to see The Eva Cassidy Story. It was so sad....but brilliant done. During the interval, I nipped to the toilet and got carried away humming one of the songs. When I came out of the cubicle, there was a man there, lucky for me, I spotted a hearing aid, so didn't worry too much. As I washed my hands, he came over to me and said, 'You can carry a tune well' I was mortified.
Last day off today - back in for 4 days. Starting with a stand by at 7.40 tomorrow morning. Mad rush to get all the jobs done that I should have done all week. Washing, ironing, packing, hen cleaning (the coop, not the hens) and calling estate agents, solicitors and removal companies. It is exhausting this moving lark. At least the sun is out today. I am sure I will be in the new house by November. I bloody well hope so!
I have been asked to write a chicken keeping guide, so that is keeping me busy. Great, as I can work from home, it's just the timing that is causing me problems. I love writing and it is nice to have a project to work on, but right now I am up to my armpits in chaos. I will get it done, as there is no immediate deadline. Nice to drop in and out and update as and when I can. Still waiting for that elusive magazine article that I want to write. One day maybe.
Better dash, hens are a-calling....might mean some eggs for me!
C x x
Christmas season has hit the shops! Yay!! I love it! It started with this, tucked away on the bottom shelf of Co op -
I love the simple Scandi look and fancy this for my house -
(which ever house that may be! No, think positively Christian)!
It started me off on a rollercoaster of Christmas this week. Firstly, cute little felt stockings for the tree -
2 pieces of felt, a couple of buttons and a simple blanket stitch all the way around. I have made 10 so far, just sat watching tv of an evening.
With Christmas carols playing in the office, there was no stopping me. I started on a lovely idea I saw on a blog last year, but can't remember where. Jase managed to sort the printer out and I printed these off onto card stock.
With the addition of red fleece -
(The chocolate is part of the finished item, not just a mid craft snack for me)! I will show you next time what I created! Keep guessing!
I went to Quilter's Dream last week and came back with a good stash of Christmas fabric.
The plan is to make mini bunting for the mantle piece to sell at the fair in November. Couldn't resist the blue flowery fabric - will make shopping bags with that.
The red and white fabric is stunning, although very expensive. I love Tilda fabric and designs, but it is so pricey. This was the last piece they had, so I made a few stockings out of it - along with my gorgeous fabric from Copenhagen.
I sold quite a few traditional 'sock' stockings last year and must admit that I prefer them to the other kind. Something oldy worldy about them.
Elsbeth and Agnes are still laying. Pru was very vocal last week - as she is being now - and to my surprise she laid an egg! A long torpedo egg as we call it. Cornelia is still dropping feathers everywhere, but has started eating more and rushing to the mixed corn in the late afternoon. The weather is turning now and the trees have started to drop their leaves. Not long before we start with frost in the morning.....
I mentioned the berries at the side of the house. An overgrown something-or-other bush, can't remember the name. Well, this time last year it had loads of berries and I warned Jase that it meant a harsh winter. Look at it this year!
It is going to be bad, the bushes know! They are providing food for the birds. Trust me.
The veggie garden is past it now. I think the temperature must have dropped quite low the other night, as my beans and potato plants are no more. I did manage to dig up the last handful of carrots - a stump ended variety, that did very well this year.
The rest of the garden I will just leave now. It is all dying back and after the aggro that our buyer has put us through (whether intentional or not), I refuse to tidy things up for her. I might still plant up some strawberry runners if I get a chance though.
At the weekend, we went to Basingstoke's Haymarket Theatre, to see The Eva Cassidy Story. It was so sad....but brilliant done. During the interval, I nipped to the toilet and got carried away humming one of the songs. When I came out of the cubicle, there was a man there, lucky for me, I spotted a hearing aid, so didn't worry too much. As I washed my hands, he came over to me and said, 'You can carry a tune well' I was mortified.
Last day off today - back in for 4 days. Starting with a stand by at 7.40 tomorrow morning. Mad rush to get all the jobs done that I should have done all week. Washing, ironing, packing, hen cleaning (the coop, not the hens) and calling estate agents, solicitors and removal companies. It is exhausting this moving lark. At least the sun is out today. I am sure I will be in the new house by November. I bloody well hope so!
I have been asked to write a chicken keeping guide, so that is keeping me busy. Great, as I can work from home, it's just the timing that is causing me problems. I love writing and it is nice to have a project to work on, but right now I am up to my armpits in chaos. I will get it done, as there is no immediate deadline. Nice to drop in and out and update as and when I can. Still waiting for that elusive magazine article that I want to write. One day maybe.
Better dash, hens are a-calling....might mean some eggs for me!
C x x
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Is it October?
It's a heat wave! 28C according to my weather station. Am I right? It IS October isn't it? *confused* Been wearing shorts for two days now.
Right then, we din't exchange contracts last week. Looks like we will do next week, but won't complete until the 21st of October and even that is pushing it. I am tempted to say the 28th now, as that will be my part time week again!
Felt dodgy all day yesterday/today. Weird stomach cramps - think it might just be nerves about the move etc, but not sure. Eating makes it worse, so just drinking lots and hoping it will pass. It got so bad last night that I went to bed at 9pm! Unheard of! Not ideal, but I will at least lose some weight. Been stuck at the 12/7 barrier for a while now......
Spent yesterday sewing Christmas stockings as you do. I am really pleased with them. They are long like old socks, more of a traditional stocking, as I sold out last year. You can just see one Here
WIth some of the money I made at the Michaelmas fair, I went to Quilter's Dream yesterday and bought some Christmassy fabric to start making mini bunting. £40 and a bag of lovely fabric & ribbons later, I set to work with Christmas carols playing on my laptop. Shame that it was 25 degrees C outside! A frost covered garden would have been more appropriate!
I forgot to post a picture of the Merry-go-round horses from the Michaelmas fair! So here you go!
There was also a new Florists at the Fairground Centre. She has set up her shop in an old Shepherd's hut which is absolutely stunning! Small but perfectly formed with bunting around the top. The Fairground needs a Florist and I am sure that I will be a regular customer.
Time for another dose of peppermint tea (if it is good for you, why do I retch with every mouthful)?? then back to the stockings!
C x x
Right then, we din't exchange contracts last week. Looks like we will do next week, but won't complete until the 21st of October and even that is pushing it. I am tempted to say the 28th now, as that will be my part time week again!
Felt dodgy all day yesterday/today. Weird stomach cramps - think it might just be nerves about the move etc, but not sure. Eating makes it worse, so just drinking lots and hoping it will pass. It got so bad last night that I went to bed at 9pm! Unheard of! Not ideal, but I will at least lose some weight. Been stuck at the 12/7 barrier for a while now......
Spent yesterday sewing Christmas stockings as you do. I am really pleased with them. They are long like old socks, more of a traditional stocking, as I sold out last year. You can just see one Here
WIth some of the money I made at the Michaelmas fair, I went to Quilter's Dream yesterday and bought some Christmassy fabric to start making mini bunting. £40 and a bag of lovely fabric & ribbons later, I set to work with Christmas carols playing on my laptop. Shame that it was 25 degrees C outside! A frost covered garden would have been more appropriate!
I forgot to post a picture of the Merry-go-round horses from the Michaelmas fair! So here you go!
There was also a new Florists at the Fairground Centre. She has set up her shop in an old Shepherd's hut which is absolutely stunning! Small but perfectly formed with bunting around the top. The Fairground needs a Florist and I am sure that I will be a regular customer.
Time for another dose of peppermint tea (if it is good for you, why do I retch with every mouthful)?? then back to the stockings!
C x x
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Ok, so you wanted pictures......
Hello World!
Firstly, an update on Bramble Cottage. We STILL HAVEN'T EXCHANGED CONTRACTS!! Last week I was at breaking point. All the searches and paperwork have been signed for the sale of Farm Cottage. Everything is ready for the purchase of Bramble Cottage, but our buyer hasn't received her mortgage offer yet! She only applied for it just over a week ago! We are supposed to complete on the 3rd of October, that has been moved to the 7th and she announced that she was going on holiday for 2 weeks! She is due back on the 5th October and hopefully we will exchange whilst she is away. I am not holding my breath.
Starting to panic about winter setting in and me not being prepared. I am a like a squirrel, must have stores in place. Oil for the Rayburn and a decent pile of logs are a must before November. According to the long term weather forecast and a couple of saddo websites I look at, the winter will be far worse this year. Lower temperatures and more snow. All to do with low solar activity and the Gulf stream. As long as I have oil, wood and plenty of food in, I will be happy.
I was really hoping to move on the 3rd as that gave me 8 days off to get settled. Moving on the 7th will be ok, as I am not due back until the 11th, so please keep everything crossed for then!
The garden is looking dreadful. Just haven't had time to get out there and tidy up.....too busy watching GLEE, packing, preparing for the Michaelmas fair and working the odd day. The pear tree lost a couple of branches due to the amount of fruit. I have picked 2 large bowls and there are still 40+ more to pick.
After a terrible week at work, when I was taken off a lovely 3 day trip to Germany, to be replaced with a delayed Moscow and back flight, I finally finished on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday were spent baking and making for the fair at the weekend. It went well, although not as well as previous years, I think people are just not spending money. I can understand why, but it does get you down a bit when you work so hard preparing and people comment on how nice everything looks, then they walk away.
So, pictures I hear you cry!
Using the piano to display my bags.....
I saw these adorable 'business cards' at a friend's house and had to make some for me. The cards I had printed a couple of years ago don't have the website details on them. These are perfect and make great bookmarks!
Saturday was quite busy and I sold a lot, but Sunday was really quiet. It was still well worth me doing the fair though. I have done 3 Michaelmas fairs at the Fairground now and usually take a few Christmas bits with me. This year I decided not to and had so many people asking where my Christmas stock was! You can't win. I promised them all that I would be back at the Christmas Fair at the end of November. I have already got advanced orders of Christmas cakes and stockings! Yay!!
I have plenty of jam available, plus 15 jars of mincemeat. I won't be making anymore this year, although a friend announced yesterday that she has quince bush, so I might do a few jars of quince jelly. The cranberry and orange jelly, with edible glitter went down a storm last year, so will make some more of that and a few people asked about onion jam, so that is planned too.
I really want to get into my new home and set up the craft room asap. I need to get started soon if I am to get everything done in time. Fabric is no problem, I have plenty of that (I keep finding more boxes tucked away, loaded with fabric that I forgot I had *oops*)
I received 2 emails yesterday asking me to attend schools fairs and one today for Sparsholt College. Appleshaw and Shipton Bellinger schools are a dead cert, as long as I can get leave. The Fairground Fair is the last weekend of November and I have booked leave for that, so I think that will do. I don't think I'll have time for anymore - or time to make anything! The plan for next year is to start preparing much earlier (I know I say that every year), but by August, I feel like I am running out of time to get stockings sewn and Christmas puddings made!
After spending 7 hours preparing Damson ketchup, to produce only 7 bottles I was a tad hacked off to say the least. Simmering, straining, chopping onions, spice bags, more straining then pureeing etc etc - 7 measly bottles!!!! They all sold on Saturday!! I jokingly said to Jase that I should charge £11.50 a bottle as they took so long. £3 a bottle and sold with 3 hours. Oh well, I won't be making it again. Well, maybe for me, but definitely not to sell.
I came up with an idea for potted basil. Very pleased with the way they came out. Just an old baked bean can, some craft paper and a daisy punch; simple yet effective.
Cornelia is moulting and as usual looks miserable and not herself. She is the only of my hens who is generally fed up when moulting. The others just get on with it, but she looks so sorry for herself. It must be hard work growing feathers back, but she isn't even interested in mixed corn. She does manage to get enthusiastic when I offer her raspberries though.
Shock, horror, Agnes has started laying again. I didn't think she would until Spring. Her and Elsbeth are laying 2 eggs every day/other day, so I do have some in my egg larder. Pru gave up weeks ago, but I don't think it will be long until they all stop for their Winter break.
No other news to report really. In Madrid now, back tomorrow and then Paris for the night. Home on Thursday and then 11 days off! Yippppeeeee. Only have the shed, garage, loft and kitchen to pack up now.....joy. I know, I know, it will be worth it!
Take care.
C x x x
Firstly, an update on Bramble Cottage. We STILL HAVEN'T EXCHANGED CONTRACTS!! Last week I was at breaking point. All the searches and paperwork have been signed for the sale of Farm Cottage. Everything is ready for the purchase of Bramble Cottage, but our buyer hasn't received her mortgage offer yet! She only applied for it just over a week ago! We are supposed to complete on the 3rd of October, that has been moved to the 7th and she announced that she was going on holiday for 2 weeks! She is due back on the 5th October and hopefully we will exchange whilst she is away. I am not holding my breath.
Starting to panic about winter setting in and me not being prepared. I am a like a squirrel, must have stores in place. Oil for the Rayburn and a decent pile of logs are a must before November. According to the long term weather forecast and a couple of saddo websites I look at, the winter will be far worse this year. Lower temperatures and more snow. All to do with low solar activity and the Gulf stream. As long as I have oil, wood and plenty of food in, I will be happy.
I was really hoping to move on the 3rd as that gave me 8 days off to get settled. Moving on the 7th will be ok, as I am not due back until the 11th, so please keep everything crossed for then!
The garden is looking dreadful. Just haven't had time to get out there and tidy up.....too busy watching GLEE, packing, preparing for the Michaelmas fair and working the odd day. The pear tree lost a couple of branches due to the amount of fruit. I have picked 2 large bowls and there are still 40+ more to pick.
After a terrible week at work, when I was taken off a lovely 3 day trip to Germany, to be replaced with a delayed Moscow and back flight, I finally finished on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday were spent baking and making for the fair at the weekend. It went well, although not as well as previous years, I think people are just not spending money. I can understand why, but it does get you down a bit when you work so hard preparing and people comment on how nice everything looks, then they walk away.
So, pictures I hear you cry!
Using the piano to display my bags.....
I saw these adorable 'business cards' at a friend's house and had to make some for me. The cards I had printed a couple of years ago don't have the website details on them. These are perfect and make great bookmarks!
Saturday was quite busy and I sold a lot, but Sunday was really quiet. It was still well worth me doing the fair though. I have done 3 Michaelmas fairs at the Fairground now and usually take a few Christmas bits with me. This year I decided not to and had so many people asking where my Christmas stock was! You can't win. I promised them all that I would be back at the Christmas Fair at the end of November. I have already got advanced orders of Christmas cakes and stockings! Yay!!
I have plenty of jam available, plus 15 jars of mincemeat. I won't be making anymore this year, although a friend announced yesterday that she has quince bush, so I might do a few jars of quince jelly. The cranberry and orange jelly, with edible glitter went down a storm last year, so will make some more of that and a few people asked about onion jam, so that is planned too.
I really want to get into my new home and set up the craft room asap. I need to get started soon if I am to get everything done in time. Fabric is no problem, I have plenty of that (I keep finding more boxes tucked away, loaded with fabric that I forgot I had *oops*)
I received 2 emails yesterday asking me to attend schools fairs and one today for Sparsholt College. Appleshaw and Shipton Bellinger schools are a dead cert, as long as I can get leave. The Fairground Fair is the last weekend of November and I have booked leave for that, so I think that will do. I don't think I'll have time for anymore - or time to make anything! The plan for next year is to start preparing much earlier (I know I say that every year), but by August, I feel like I am running out of time to get stockings sewn and Christmas puddings made!
After spending 7 hours preparing Damson ketchup, to produce only 7 bottles I was a tad hacked off to say the least. Simmering, straining, chopping onions, spice bags, more straining then pureeing etc etc - 7 measly bottles!!!! They all sold on Saturday!! I jokingly said to Jase that I should charge £11.50 a bottle as they took so long. £3 a bottle and sold with 3 hours. Oh well, I won't be making it again. Well, maybe for me, but definitely not to sell.
I came up with an idea for potted basil. Very pleased with the way they came out. Just an old baked bean can, some craft paper and a daisy punch; simple yet effective.
Cornelia is moulting and as usual looks miserable and not herself. She is the only of my hens who is generally fed up when moulting. The others just get on with it, but she looks so sorry for herself. It must be hard work growing feathers back, but she isn't even interested in mixed corn. She does manage to get enthusiastic when I offer her raspberries though.
Shock, horror, Agnes has started laying again. I didn't think she would until Spring. Her and Elsbeth are laying 2 eggs every day/other day, so I do have some in my egg larder. Pru gave up weeks ago, but I don't think it will be long until they all stop for their Winter break.
No other news to report really. In Madrid now, back tomorrow and then Paris for the night. Home on Thursday and then 11 days off! Yippppeeeee. Only have the shed, garage, loft and kitchen to pack up now.....joy. I know, I know, it will be worth it!
Take care.
C x x x
Thursday, September 22, 2011
A quickie...
Hello!
Just a micro-update!
The Michaelmas fair is on Saturday, so I started baking today. Gingerbread men and hearts, plus hundreds of oat biscuits!
Fingers crossed that I will exchange contracts on Bramble Cottage tomorrow, for completion on the 7th of October. Not holding my breath, but hoping for then.
Not much else to report really. Busy sorting paperwork, signing things, sewing and baking, so not much different to usual!
Will write more after the fair and post some pictures.
C x x x
Just a micro-update!
The Michaelmas fair is on Saturday, so I started baking today. Gingerbread men and hearts, plus hundreds of oat biscuits!
Fingers crossed that I will exchange contracts on Bramble Cottage tomorrow, for completion on the 7th of October. Not holding my breath, but hoping for then.
Not much else to report really. Busy sorting paperwork, signing things, sewing and baking, so not much different to usual!
Will write more after the fair and post some pictures.
C x x x
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Miss Marple...?
Evening All!
Another hectic week off for me.
It started with Mum, Dad, Brother and lovely Matt the carpenter visiting Bramble Cottage. Brother was there to look at the bathroom, (he is a plumber) and Matt was there with a very thick pad to look at the garden and measure up for the chicken run. Not forgetting, replacing the bathroom windows, sorting out the draughty back door, somehow building a kitchen, installing worktops, shelving in the larder and a built in cupboard in the spare room. I swear his eyes had pound signs in them!! I have asked for individual quotes for each job, so that I can get them done as and when finances allow.
Mum and Dad loved the house. They asked where the stairs were? - Behind the cute cupboard door! I have always wanted stairs in a cupboard!! So excited!!
Popped into Town yesterday. Never a good idea to go on a Saturday. Honestly, a bar of soap wouldn't go a miss with some of the people out and about. Managed to get hold of a new magazine - the sole purpose of going - called Craft Seller! Ideal for all those who sell their crafty things. I love it. Really appropriate for what I do, packed with great ideas! It even included a 'How to' by one of my favourite crafters Laura Clempson over at Cupcakes for Clara A cute little blue bird!
I even found myself in a sports shop. *Picks himself off the floor*. I needed some jogging bottoms - not for jogging, but for lazy evenings in the winter. Plus a new pair of jogging shorts and trainers for when I begrudgingly go to the gym at work.
2 pairs of jeans which are slightly buttock enhancing, were also purchased! An expensive 'quick pop into Town for a magazine'!
The weather has been dreadful, so perfect for staying in and packing, ready for the move. I have given at least 100 books to charity, pictures and clothes too. I still have another 2 bin bags full of clothes that no longer fit (yay) to take tomorrow. This weight loss lark is an expensive business.
I have to say, one of the funniest comments on my blog, was left by Alison last week - see here I actually laughed out loud when I read it! I am still waiting for the thick leather bound dossier to arrive, but I am sure that Alison is doing her best......several cups of tea and slices of cake, in pursuit of the answers about the Hungerford chef.
Thought it would be a good idea to keep a few boxes spare, to fill with things that I no longer want, but don't want to just give away. I heard about a car boot sale not far from here in Picket Piece, so went along to check it out. *remember brolly next time* It was really good and quite busy until the heavens opened, but I managed to find shelter under the doughnut stand. A cinnamon 'donut' and cup of PG later, I was ready to elbow the good people of Andover out of the way for something I wanted.
I didn't intend on buying anything. That is like me going into McDonalds for a bottle of water and not coming out with a cheeseburger, Filet-o-fish, small fries and a strawberry milkshake. Impossible, or maybe that's just me? I did find an old suitcase from the 40's/50's. A bargain at £6, plus a handful of embroidery silks for 50p. A good day's shopping.
The house move is going to be delayed I think. The lady buying our house hasn't got her mortgage through yet. Not surprising really as she still hadn't applied for it up until 3 days ago. Did I mention that we were all working towards completing on the 3rd of October? No? Well, that was the plan. Who knows when it will be now? It would have been great to move on the 3rd as I had another 8 days off afterwards, to get settled in and maybe even do some decorating. I will be calling my solicitor tomorrow to have a quiet word....
Agnes and Cornelia are dropping feathers everywhere. Corny always looks so miserable when she is moulting, barely eats anything, and generally looks unhappy. It does take a lot out of them, but I have added a tonic to their water and some spice to their food to perk them up a bit. I have discovered they will do anything for raspberries! My autumn fruiting rasps are giving me a handful or so every day. Any that are a bit soft, i throw into the chicken area, resulting in a mad scramble! I make sure that Cornelia gets a couple extra.
Pru has stopped laying, which leaves good old Elsbeth as always. 5 eggs a week for the next few weeks I hope. I think when the chicken run is ready and I have settled into Bramble Cottage, I might get a couple of hybrids to provide me with eggs through the winter.
Sorry I haven't got any pictures this week. The light has been grey and nothing came out very well. :0( I will take some of the fair which is in 2 weeks' time. Looking forward to that and have organised everything in boxes today. Just some oatie biscuits to bake the day before and maybe some gingerbread men if I have the time?
Better get a wiggle on. Need to light a candle for the tenth anniversary of September the 11th. The TV is off - after watching United 93 on the telly last night, I don't want to see anymore.
Be safe.
C x x x
Another hectic week off for me.
It started with Mum, Dad, Brother and lovely Matt the carpenter visiting Bramble Cottage. Brother was there to look at the bathroom, (he is a plumber) and Matt was there with a very thick pad to look at the garden and measure up for the chicken run. Not forgetting, replacing the bathroom windows, sorting out the draughty back door, somehow building a kitchen, installing worktops, shelving in the larder and a built in cupboard in the spare room. I swear his eyes had pound signs in them!! I have asked for individual quotes for each job, so that I can get them done as and when finances allow.
Mum and Dad loved the house. They asked where the stairs were? - Behind the cute cupboard door! I have always wanted stairs in a cupboard!! So excited!!
Popped into Town yesterday. Never a good idea to go on a Saturday. Honestly, a bar of soap wouldn't go a miss with some of the people out and about. Managed to get hold of a new magazine - the sole purpose of going - called Craft Seller! Ideal for all those who sell their crafty things. I love it. Really appropriate for what I do, packed with great ideas! It even included a 'How to' by one of my favourite crafters Laura Clempson over at Cupcakes for Clara A cute little blue bird!
I even found myself in a sports shop. *Picks himself off the floor*. I needed some jogging bottoms - not for jogging, but for lazy evenings in the winter. Plus a new pair of jogging shorts and trainers for when I begrudgingly go to the gym at work.
2 pairs of jeans which are slightly buttock enhancing, were also purchased! An expensive 'quick pop into Town for a magazine'!
The weather has been dreadful, so perfect for staying in and packing, ready for the move. I have given at least 100 books to charity, pictures and clothes too. I still have another 2 bin bags full of clothes that no longer fit (yay) to take tomorrow. This weight loss lark is an expensive business.
I have to say, one of the funniest comments on my blog, was left by Alison last week - see here I actually laughed out loud when I read it! I am still waiting for the thick leather bound dossier to arrive, but I am sure that Alison is doing her best......several cups of tea and slices of cake, in pursuit of the answers about the Hungerford chef.
Thought it would be a good idea to keep a few boxes spare, to fill with things that I no longer want, but don't want to just give away. I heard about a car boot sale not far from here in Picket Piece, so went along to check it out. *remember brolly next time* It was really good and quite busy until the heavens opened, but I managed to find shelter under the doughnut stand. A cinnamon 'donut' and cup of PG later, I was ready to elbow the good people of Andover out of the way for something I wanted.
I didn't intend on buying anything. That is like me going into McDonalds for a bottle of water and not coming out with a cheeseburger, Filet-o-fish, small fries and a strawberry milkshake. Impossible, or maybe that's just me? I did find an old suitcase from the 40's/50's. A bargain at £6, plus a handful of embroidery silks for 50p. A good day's shopping.
The house move is going to be delayed I think. The lady buying our house hasn't got her mortgage through yet. Not surprising really as she still hadn't applied for it up until 3 days ago. Did I mention that we were all working towards completing on the 3rd of October? No? Well, that was the plan. Who knows when it will be now? It would have been great to move on the 3rd as I had another 8 days off afterwards, to get settled in and maybe even do some decorating. I will be calling my solicitor tomorrow to have a quiet word....
Agnes and Cornelia are dropping feathers everywhere. Corny always looks so miserable when she is moulting, barely eats anything, and generally looks unhappy. It does take a lot out of them, but I have added a tonic to their water and some spice to their food to perk them up a bit. I have discovered they will do anything for raspberries! My autumn fruiting rasps are giving me a handful or so every day. Any that are a bit soft, i throw into the chicken area, resulting in a mad scramble! I make sure that Cornelia gets a couple extra.
Pru has stopped laying, which leaves good old Elsbeth as always. 5 eggs a week for the next few weeks I hope. I think when the chicken run is ready and I have settled into Bramble Cottage, I might get a couple of hybrids to provide me with eggs through the winter.
Sorry I haven't got any pictures this week. The light has been grey and nothing came out very well. :0( I will take some of the fair which is in 2 weeks' time. Looking forward to that and have organised everything in boxes today. Just some oatie biscuits to bake the day before and maybe some gingerbread men if I have the time?
Better get a wiggle on. Need to light a candle for the tenth anniversary of September the 11th. The TV is off - after watching United 93 on the telly last night, I don't want to see anymore.
Be safe.
C x x x
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