Plan B. Knit another one and here it is!
Monday, 31 May 2010
Plan B
I joined a Baktus exchange group on Ravelry and signed up for the early swap. Only problem - ran out of yarn. And the woolshop was closed for a couple of weeks while the owner was on holiday so no chance of getting any more for a while..... sigh
Plan B. Knit another one and here it is!
Lots of lovely garter stitch. Really easy to knit and great for doing while watching telly!
Plan B. Knit another one and here it is!
Hexagon Love
Don't speak like you know yoga
Is what daughter the younger said to her sister in the car on the way home from a day out in the lakes.
We went up to Esthwaite which is just down the road from Hawkshead village and a favourite spot of ours for picnic-ing and general pottering about. It's not too well known so you don't get many people. There's only a fishing tackle shop and boat hire there so it's great.
It's such a nice spot. Windermere and Bowness are nice enough but just too full of people shopping in full walking gear for my liking! This was the first "proper" day trip in the new car so we did wonder how we'd manage to transport the four of us, the dog, a picnic and all the other essential bits and bobs (crochet stuff today). In the event it just took a bit of canny packing and we managed just fine. Here's Milly Molly Mazda looking quite at home among the trees on the car park. Luckily, there are picnic tables so we didn't miss sitting in the back of the Land Rover too much. It was a bit blustery with a chilly edge to the wind but otherwise no problem at all.
I just love my little green car. So easy to spot on the carpark!
On with the business of the day then. The rope swing was still there so everyone had a go. It was a bit shorter than last time so help was needed to get the smalls onto it.
It's just so much fun swinging over the water though. Nick decided to have a go and I was busy taking lots of action shots when there was an almighty thud and he was on the floor! Mostly ok, bloody gash on a hand and seriously dented pride but nothing requiring a trip to casualty. Phew! We were all free to laugh (aren't we mean!!)
This was the moment. I pressed the shutter and thud! We decided to leave the swinging alone for a bit and tried out hand at skimming stones instead.
Then paddling! Ok it was cool and a bit blustery but who can resist the urge to dip their toes in. The girls can't.
We had a really good time. There were lots of ducks with unbelievably cute babies to feed and a slightly scary and hissy swan that Sally wasn't too keen on.
The hissy swan. Looking rather lovely in this pic but a bit big and scary close up! And here's a gratuitous Sally pic to finish off. Check out the wind swept ears!
We went up to Esthwaite which is just down the road from Hawkshead village and a favourite spot of ours for picnic-ing and general pottering about. It's not too well known so you don't get many people. There's only a fishing tackle shop and boat hire there so it's great.
On with the business of the day then. The rope swing was still there so everyone had a go. It was a bit shorter than last time so help was needed to get the smalls onto it.
It's just so much fun swinging over the water though. Nick decided to have a go and I was busy taking lots of action shots when there was an almighty thud and he was on the floor! Mostly ok, bloody gash on a hand and seriously dented pride but nothing requiring a trip to casualty. Phew! We were all free to laugh (aren't we mean!!)
Sunday, 23 May 2010
Kicking a ball about
Was outside last night around 10.30/11.00pm ish and could hear someone kicking a ball around. Just to explain - across the river at the other side of the wood there is a "youth" hangout spot. It's next to the leisure centre and there's a skating ramp and a shelter that have been put there for youngsters to hang out in, which they do. It's a good thing generally as it's not right next to any houses so doesn't disturb too many people.
Anyhow, due to the acoustics around here if there's anyone there at night when the general noise of the day has died down it can be rather loud and annoying up here at the house. Especially if someone has a car with loud (and usually rubbish) music blaring out.
So I could hear a ball being kicked against the skate ramp. How annoying I thought and was about to start wingeing and complaining to DH when I had second thoughts about it.
It's actually rather sad. There were no voices so it was a solitary person (can't actually see it for the trees you see so this is all supposition). Then I wondered what age they were likely to be. An older teenager would probably be hanging out in town in the pubs or certainly where they can be seen. So I reckon they were between 8/9 and 15. Hopefully anyone younger would be home. How sad is it for a youngster to be on their own kicking a ball around at that time of night. Why aren't they home? Is it so much better to be alone kicking a ball than to be there?? You see... really quite sad...
Anyhow, due to the acoustics around here if there's anyone there at night when the general noise of the day has died down it can be rather loud and annoying up here at the house. Especially if someone has a car with loud (and usually rubbish) music blaring out.
So I could hear a ball being kicked against the skate ramp. How annoying I thought and was about to start wingeing and complaining to DH when I had second thoughts about it.
It's actually rather sad. There were no voices so it was a solitary person (can't actually see it for the trees you see so this is all supposition). Then I wondered what age they were likely to be. An older teenager would probably be hanging out in town in the pubs or certainly where they can be seen. So I reckon they were between 8/9 and 15. Hopefully anyone younger would be home. How sad is it for a youngster to be on their own kicking a ball around at that time of night. Why aren't they home? Is it so much better to be alone kicking a ball than to be there?? You see... really quite sad...
Friday, 21 May 2010
Wobbly teeth...
I've got a wobbly tooth announced daughter the younger yesterday. She is so thrilled about it and has been envious of her older sister's tooth fairy visits for a while.
She's a tough cookie though, unlike her sister and there was no wussy, timidity lasting several days/weeks. She was so keen to have her first tooth fairy visit that she got it out the very next day and just had to show the world! you can see the gap on the bottom row.
The tooth is in a little bag under her pillow and, fortunately, I have a reasonable shiny coin to replace it with.... ahhh.... bless....
She's a tough cookie though, unlike her sister and there was no wussy, timidity lasting several days/weeks. She was so keen to have her first tooth fairy visit that she got it out the very next day and just had to show the world! you can see the gap on the bottom row.
Best Laid Plans
It's been a funny old week. Lots of unexpected and sometimes annoying stuff going on.
Girls have been under the weather. Older girl has developed an abscess which involved the nightmare of trying to get an emergency dental appointment. Girl the younger's eyelid swelled up so it was a double whammy as then had doctor's receptionist to battle with as well as dental ones. What is it with these people. It's as if their sole purpose in life is to prevent you from even getting a sniff of a doctor or dentist. Grr... Anyhow, all my skills of diplomacy, negotiation and persistence paid off and anti-histamine and anti-biotics now working nicely.
Then I've been knitting like a mad woman to finish off my Baktus scarf only to run out of yarn with about 5 inches left to go! Drat! The wool shop lady is on holiday for another week so I might have to turn to plan B instead (when I figure out what that actually is!!)
On a happier note, the new car is brilliant and I filled it up for the first time yesterday and it was £35. I was amazed. Almost half of what I usually pay with the Land Rover. Also got some money back from the insurance people and don't have any road tax to pay. Woot! This is all good and is balancing out my karma like no-one's business.
I do like this stuff. It's really nice wool and superwash too. Also reasonably priced. My favourite I think other than sock yarn, of course.
Speaking of sock yarn, I am fortunate enough to work only up the road from Laalbear and I popped round to pick up some sock blockers. Couldn't resist having a shufty through her fabulous hand dyed yarn and came away with these babies
At the top "Pussyfoot" ( plum colourway) gorgeous merino with some cashmere so it's soooooo stokeably lovely. Slurrrrppppp! At the bottom "Lush" merino (Fairy colourway) also very, very lovely.... Couldn't help myself! Laalbear will be at Woolfest this year so make sure you check out her scrumptious yarns if you are planning to be there.
Girls have been under the weather. Older girl has developed an abscess which involved the nightmare of trying to get an emergency dental appointment. Girl the younger's eyelid swelled up so it was a double whammy as then had doctor's receptionist to battle with as well as dental ones. What is it with these people. It's as if their sole purpose in life is to prevent you from even getting a sniff of a doctor or dentist. Grr... Anyhow, all my skills of diplomacy, negotiation and persistence paid off and anti-histamine and anti-biotics now working nicely.
Then I've been knitting like a mad woman to finish off my Baktus scarf only to run out of yarn with about 5 inches left to go! Drat! The wool shop lady is on holiday for another week so I might have to turn to plan B instead (when I figure out what that actually is!!)
On a happier note, the new car is brilliant and I filled it up for the first time yesterday and it was £35. I was amazed. Almost half of what I usually pay with the Land Rover. Also got some money back from the insurance people and don't have any road tax to pay. Woot! This is all good and is balancing out my karma like no-one's business.
And look, here's another crochet project....
Can you tell what it is yet? It's a ripple blanket and it's hopefully going to help me use up my stash of King Cole Merino blend (and then I can justifiably buy some more) stash!
Speaking of sock yarn, I am fortunate enough to work only up the road from Laalbear and I popped round to pick up some sock blockers. Couldn't resist having a shufty through her fabulous hand dyed yarn and came away with these babies
Sunday, 16 May 2010
Triffids and casting clouts
Finally remembered to get a shot of the rhubarb flowers. I think they look a bit like triffids. They are quite tall. We've also got a little clump of lovely bluebells and the yellow azalea is just flowering (smells gorgeous).
The Hawthorn is a bit late flowering this year but when it all comes out there will be even more heavenly smells around. Love hawthorn flowers. Let's hope it will begin to warm up soon because as they say;
Cast ne'er a clout 'till May be out
which I take to mean don't give up on the winter woollies until the hawthorn flowers are out. May is another name for hawthorn around these parts. Although some folks argue that may is literally the month of may. Either way, it's not usually warm enough to be walking around in sandals and vesty tops until at least June!
Had a bit of a tidy up around the garden but left this little weed alone because the flowers on it are so pretty.
It really is lovely isn't it.
Cast ne'er a clout 'till May be out
which I take to mean don't give up on the winter woollies until the hawthorn flowers are out. May is another name for hawthorn around these parts. Although some folks argue that may is literally the month of may. Either way, it's not usually warm enough to be walking around in sandals and vesty tops until at least June!
Had a bit of a tidy up around the garden but left this little weed alone because the flowers on it are so pretty.
Everyone knows that dogs NEVER climb trees
But if they are bold....
and adventurous too...
it might just be possible...
maybe....
they do!
This is one of our favourite stories at bedtime. Along with all the other Lynley Dodd characters - Hairy MacLary from Donaldson's Dairy, Slinky Malinki and Scarface Claw.
The reason I mention it is because during all the tree climbing today Sally decided to join in and had to be rescued about 12 feet up before she fell out of the tree! Half dog half squirrel maybe?
May I present.... Schnitzel Von Sally!
Sadly no photos of her right up the tree as was too busy trying to grab her before she fell out!
and adventurous too...
it might just be possible...
maybe....
they do!
The reason I mention it is because during all the tree climbing today Sally decided to join in and had to be rescued about 12 feet up before she fell out of the tree! Half dog half squirrel maybe?
Bluebell Woods vs Rotten Wood
We were all set for a nice little jaunt to Spring Wood to see the Bluebells once more before they are all gone. It seems we were not alone in that aim and there was absolutely nowhere to park. Not even a teeny weeny little spot for our new teeny weeny car. Oh well... it was time for a rethink and the answer was Rotten Wood. A less known woody spot that's great for walks but rather lacking in bluebells and we hadn't been there for quite a while. So off we went and weren't we glad we did.
There was no one else around so we had the place to ourselves. It was gorgeous - a haven of fresh spring green gloriousness.
I adore the fresh greens of spring. Really gladdens my heart. One thing about Rotten Wood though is the fabulous trees. Perfect for climbing and really interesting to look at too. There are also 3 or 4 fallen trees which are still alive and full of carvings of loves long past and stuff like that. Also great fun to scramble over.
We really had such fun there today. There's a large house right next to the wood which is surrounded by rhododendrons which are about to flower so we must nip back there in a week or so to check them out. Should be stunning.
In the field next to the wood were some horses and we just had to go and say hello to one of them as the girls were convinced that it was Black Beauty.
This prompted much expressing of desire to have a pony each from the girls.... hmmm.
There were one or two interesting bits and bobs. Younger daughter found a pine cone that looked like an apple core. It had to be duly photographed. Please note what a glamour puss she is. Out for a woodland adventure but still fully accessorised!!!
And there were the mossy, strangely shaped stones. There were all sorts of theories flying around as to what they might be for....
And the tree that looks like an elephant.
Who needs bluebells!
In the field next to the wood were some horses and we just had to go and say hello to one of them as the girls were convinced that it was Black Beauty.
This prompted much expressing of desire to have a pony each from the girls.... hmmm.
There were one or two interesting bits and bobs. Younger daughter found a pine cone that looked like an apple core. It had to be duly photographed. Please note what a glamour puss she is. Out for a woodland adventure but still fully accessorised!!!
And there were the mossy, strangely shaped stones. There were all sorts of theories flying around as to what they might be for....
Saturday, 15 May 2010
Zoom Zoom
I have spent the last week researching frugal motorcars and had come to the conclusion that what I needed was a small, diesel car. It would be cheap to run, be no more than £30 to tax, and undeniably suitable. Drew up a shortlist and set off to check out the vehicles. Then did the very thing I said I wouldn't do. Fall in love with the first one I saw and bought it!
Sigh....
Say hello to Milly Molly Mazda!
Not quite as frugal as planned. A petrol rather than a diesel but such fun and I just love the colour. Fun and funky and it feels good to stand out in the hordes of silver and grey you seem to see on the roads these days. Still cheaper on tax and will be cheaper to fill up. Very small and only 3 doors but the kids can cope with climbing in the back. They are very bendy!!
Don't care though.... I love it!
Sigh....
Say hello to Milly Molly Mazda!
Don't care though.... I love it!
Monday, 10 May 2010
Botanical Oddities
Our rhubarb has flowers! I didn't know rhubarb had flowers. It's never done it before and it's been there for years. They look like triffids. Must get a picture.
And then there was the plant that the kids wanted to save. They found it dumped in the woods and wanted to plant it in their bit and bring it back to it's former glory. It had obviously been in a pot (har! har!) at some point in the recent past. However, as it had spiky leaves and a pungent aroma, we didn't feel it was the right kind of plant for a bunch of small children to be growing. We told them it would give them a nasty rash and they were happy to add it to the compost heap!
Here's an artistic impression of what they found!!!
And then there was the plant that the kids wanted to save. They found it dumped in the woods and wanted to plant it in their bit and bring it back to it's former glory. It had obviously been in a pot (har! har!) at some point in the recent past. However, as it had spiky leaves and a pungent aroma, we didn't feel it was the right kind of plant for a bunch of small children to be growing. We told them it would give them a nasty rash and they were happy to add it to the compost heap!
Here's an artistic impression of what they found!!!
On the needles/hook
Between gallivanting around Spring Wood and work there has been some knitting/crochet going on.
Finished crochet blanket number two for younger girlie. She loves it and it's on her bed and wrapped around her at night. Makes me happy to see when I peek in on my way to bed to check on them.
72 squares altogether. Pretty pleased with it.
There's also a pair of socks on the go. Vortical Socks by Phoenix Bess. They are my work socks. I carry them about with me and whip them out when I get a spare moment at lunchtime at work.
There is also a Baktus Scarf on the go. It's for a swap and is inspired by some of the stuff that I've been up to lately. More on that when it's done.
Finished crochet blanket number two for younger girlie. She loves it and it's on her bed and wrapped around her at night. Makes me happy to see when I peek in on my way to bed to check on them.
There's also a pair of socks on the go. Vortical Socks by Phoenix Bess. They are my work socks. I carry them about with me and whip them out when I get a spare moment at lunchtime at work.
Bluebell Woods
We were only there a couple of weeks ago but back we went last weekend to see if the Bluebells were actually out this time. And they were!
It was a glorious, sunny day despite a dire weather forecast and as always we were blown away by the fresh green of the new leaves and heavenly purply-blue of the bluebells themselves. Took far too many photos (so what's new) and decided to give you a handy collage instead. The official girls looking out at the view photo is in there as are some photos of the girls having a go at photography themselves.
Got a lovely close up of some bluebells and am particularly proud of the ladybird shot! Ice cream in Landy at the end of the walk, of course. Although, sob, sob, for the last time. See previous post.
Got home and the heavens opened. There was even hailstones at one point. How lucky were we with the trip.
Just look at the soggy flagstones!
It was a glorious, sunny day despite a dire weather forecast and as always we were blown away by the fresh green of the new leaves and heavenly purply-blue of the bluebells themselves. Took far too many photos (so what's new) and decided to give you a handy collage instead. The official girls looking out at the view photo is in there as are some photos of the girls having a go at photography themselves.
Got home and the heavens opened. There was even hailstones at one point. How lucky were we with the trip.
Sunday, 9 May 2010
Oh Landy
...you came and you gave without taking, and I sent you away, oh Landy.
Yes folks, it is the end of an era. After 7 beautiful years together we are saying goodbye to Landy Land Rover. I know it's only a car but it's been part of the family for all this time and we are all a bit sad about it. Landy is a fabulous, roomy family car, reliable and unstoppable. But, rather pricey to run and fix when something goes wrong. Reluctantly we say goodbye and hope you end up with people who will love and enjoy you as we have over the years.
Yes folks, it is the end of an era. After 7 beautiful years together we are saying goodbye to Landy Land Rover. I know it's only a car but it's been part of the family for all this time and we are all a bit sad about it. Landy is a fabulous, roomy family car, reliable and unstoppable. But, rather pricey to run and fix when something goes wrong. Reluctantly we say goodbye and hope you end up with people who will love and enjoy you as we have over the years.
Sunday, 25 April 2010
Back to the grindstone
Well here I am crocheting together blanket number 2. Think the granny square madness is beginning to subside a little and have signed up for a Baktus scarf swap just to have a change really.
Been back at work for a week now and the blues have finally lifted. It's always a bit of a bummer turning back to normality after a blissful couple of weeks off the grindstone. Sigh.... Having said that, it's only 5 more weeks until half term.... yay!
Had a bit of good news too. Stepson the elder told us that his wife is preggers. Really pleased for the two of them. Baby due in October so plenty of time to inundate them with knitted baby stuff. Already planning a BSJ, crochet blanket and lots of booties and hats. It will be a winter baby so there's TONS of potential knitting/crochet to do. All cute and small too! What a good do.
Wonder if they know what they are letting themselves in for. Performed a rather extreme act of parental devotion over the weekend. Both girls used the toilet and suddenly a cry of sheer pain and devastation rent the air. Daughter the younger had dropped her favourite necklace into the poo-infested toilet bowl. It's a pink plastic pendant encasing a little starfish (which looks real... and I think it might well be real too). There was no option.... on with the marigolds and had to fish it out for her. Bleughhhh...... After a stint in some bleach you'd never know though. Mind you I may be scarred for life!
Been back at work for a week now and the blues have finally lifted. It's always a bit of a bummer turning back to normality after a blissful couple of weeks off the grindstone. Sigh.... Having said that, it's only 5 more weeks until half term.... yay!
Had a bit of good news too. Stepson the elder told us that his wife is preggers. Really pleased for the two of them. Baby due in October so plenty of time to inundate them with knitted baby stuff. Already planning a BSJ, crochet blanket and lots of booties and hats. It will be a winter baby so there's TONS of potential knitting/crochet to do. All cute and small too! What a good do.
Wonder if they know what they are letting themselves in for. Performed a rather extreme act of parental devotion over the weekend. Both girls used the toilet and suddenly a cry of sheer pain and devastation rent the air. Daughter the younger had dropped her favourite necklace into the poo-infested toilet bowl. It's a pink plastic pendant encasing a little starfish (which looks real... and I think it might well be real too). There was no option.... on with the marigolds and had to fish it out for her. Bleughhhh...... After a stint in some bleach you'd never know though. Mind you I may be scarred for life!
Friday, 16 April 2010
Happy Club
Sigh.. the Easter hols are drawing to a close and it's back to work and school on Monday. Spent today contemplating how great it's been these last couple of weeks.
The weather has been excellent. Lots of sunny days to enjoy. Lots of lovely walks and playing out time for the girls and G and D next door. They have become the best of friends and are so lucky to have a wood all to themselves to play in. They also hang out in a conifer at the end of the street which they call the tree house although they really just hang about under the branches at the trunk. Today they set up a Happy Club. The motto is "turn your sadness into happiness". They spent quite a bit of time planning it all out. Apparantly, Saturday is party day, Sunday is meeting day and on school days it operates from 3.30 until 5.30. They even wrote out invitations for a couple of kids who live across the street and went and posted them! One of them came straight over to join in the fun and before too long it seemed that every kid in the area was playing down there!
There's been no need to organise many things really as they've been playing away quite happily. This has meant lots of lovely sitting around the back garden keeping an eye on them and crocheting away. Fabulous. Nick has fixed the burst pipe in outside toilet, mended the broken brolly and power washed the steps and back path. It's been fab. Really don't want it to end......
Other notable items. The dog has had a haircut and looks half the size now. Very cute though. Will get a picture of her tomorrow. She kind of likes it but is a bit funny about having paws and rear end trimmed. This makes for a kind of sporran effect from behind. It's a good job she's cute enough not to look completely ridiculous.
Also rhubarb has gone beserk these last couple of days so it looks like rhubarb crumble and custard over the weekend. Yummy!
The weather has been excellent. Lots of sunny days to enjoy. Lots of lovely walks and playing out time for the girls and G and D next door. They have become the best of friends and are so lucky to have a wood all to themselves to play in. They also hang out in a conifer at the end of the street which they call the tree house although they really just hang about under the branches at the trunk. Today they set up a Happy Club. The motto is "turn your sadness into happiness". They spent quite a bit of time planning it all out. Apparantly, Saturday is party day, Sunday is meeting day and on school days it operates from 3.30 until 5.30. They even wrote out invitations for a couple of kids who live across the street and went and posted them! One of them came straight over to join in the fun and before too long it seemed that every kid in the area was playing down there!
There's been no need to organise many things really as they've been playing away quite happily. This has meant lots of lovely sitting around the back garden keeping an eye on them and crocheting away. Fabulous. Nick has fixed the burst pipe in outside toilet, mended the broken brolly and power washed the steps and back path. It's been fab. Really don't want it to end......
Other notable items. The dog has had a haircut and looks half the size now. Very cute though. Will get a picture of her tomorrow. She kind of likes it but is a bit funny about having paws and rear end trimmed. This makes for a kind of sporran effect from behind. It's a good job she's cute enough not to look completely ridiculous.
Also rhubarb has gone beserk these last couple of days so it looks like rhubarb crumble and custard over the weekend. Yummy!
Up, up and away
Blimey, I'm still a bit gobsmacked by the balloon ride. It was amazing. It's something I've always wanted to try and it certainly didn't disappoint. It was serene, smooth, fun, exhilarating, and I really can't think of enough adjectives to do it justice.
So here's how it all went.
We'd been to Scotland on the bike on Wednesday and were dead tired after a 340-is mile trip but couldn't crash out until 11.00pm. That's when you ring to get final confirmation that your balloon flight is actually going ahead. It was, so hooray! However, meeting point was changed (something to do with prevailing winds as I recall) and we had to be there at 6.30am. It's about an hour's ride from home so that meant setting of at 5.00am (just to allow an extra 30 mins to cover any potential mishaps en route) and that in turn meant a 4.00am get up. Oo-er would it be worth it?
Set off in the dark and it didn't get light until we were about halfway there. It was quite chilly too and there was some frost on the ground around Lancaster. Our meeting point was the Little Chef at Ings in the south Lakes. Great I thought, will get there in time for a nice hot cuppa and a wee. How wrong I was - the damn place doesn't open until 7 so there was nothing for it but to go tramping through the little woods behind it to find a suitable spot to relieve myself. This is no mean feat with bike gear and an extra pair of leggings to contend with. Most inelegant.
There were a number of people sitting in cars on the car park who seemed to be waiting too and I realised that I had no idea how many passengers there would be on the flight. Bang on 6.30 a battered minibus arrived with the Virgin Balloon on the side followed shortly after by a flat bed truck with an ENORMOUS basket on it. We all piled into the minisbus and were driven to a field in Kentmere that was full of noisy sheep and lots of sheep poo. Participation was very much the order of the day and we helped drag the basket off the truck and spread out the balloon on the ground. While all this was going on there was much releasing of small black balloons and lots of tutting and sighing from the pilot.
The balloon is first inflated with cold air and they had a couple of fans blowing away. We were given the safety info and told that once inflated with cold air the hot air would be blown in and we'd have to jump in to provide "ballast". The basket was divided into 5 sections; a central strip for the pilot with the burners and four compartments on each corner each holding 4 people. There were 16 passengers altogether. It's snug but makes for good balance and the compartments probably add to the stability too.
We all got in and the take off was amazingly smooth. I sort of expected to have that stomach churn you get when a lift starts up, but not at all. It was hardly noticeable. We climbed fairly quickly and ultimately got up to 4215ft at the highest point. The speed varied quite a bit at different heights and at one point we were completely still and not moving at all. Time for the in-flight photo. We rose way above the clouds and watched them rolling over the hillsides. Could just make out the summit of Scafell poking out of a blanket of clouds.
We were travelling in a southerly direction and flew towards lake Windermere. It was spectacular and we were able to fly right over it. It was now time to land. Apparently, the wind speed at ground level kept increasing so we all sat down and assumed the position quite a few times to no avail. We were getting a bit giggly at this point. This extended the flight so no-one was unhappy about it. On one landing attempt we skirted the top of some trees which was quite exciting.
Eventually a suitable spot was found and the wind was okay. It was to be a "tip and drag" landing so we all sat down and assumed the position again and down we came with a bump. The basket ends up on it's side so we were all sort of on our backs and laughing our heads off. We'd been in radio contact with the "chasers" all the way through and they were on the way to collect us. We got out of the basket all a bit undignified and silly, when a farmer came roaring up on a quad bike with a face like thunder not too happy with a big red balloon landing in his field. He was soon followed by his wife who was even fiercer. Happily the pilot was able to smooth things over and we were soon helping to pack up the balloon. Bit like packing up a really massive tent. The minibus arrived and we stopped at Lowick Green to admire a heavenly view and enjoy a glass of champagne before being taken back to the meeting point.
It was brilliant. We saw deer, foxes, swans, lots of sheep, and amazing views. I would love to do it again. It was so worth the 4.00am start.
So here's how it all went.
We'd been to Scotland on the bike on Wednesday and were dead tired after a 340-is mile trip but couldn't crash out until 11.00pm. That's when you ring to get final confirmation that your balloon flight is actually going ahead. It was, so hooray! However, meeting point was changed (something to do with prevailing winds as I recall) and we had to be there at 6.30am. It's about an hour's ride from home so that meant setting of at 5.00am (just to allow an extra 30 mins to cover any potential mishaps en route) and that in turn meant a 4.00am get up. Oo-er would it be worth it?
Set off in the dark and it didn't get light until we were about halfway there. It was quite chilly too and there was some frost on the ground around Lancaster. Our meeting point was the Little Chef at Ings in the south Lakes. Great I thought, will get there in time for a nice hot cuppa and a wee. How wrong I was - the damn place doesn't open until 7 so there was nothing for it but to go tramping through the little woods behind it to find a suitable spot to relieve myself. This is no mean feat with bike gear and an extra pair of leggings to contend with. Most inelegant.
There were a number of people sitting in cars on the car park who seemed to be waiting too and I realised that I had no idea how many passengers there would be on the flight. Bang on 6.30 a battered minibus arrived with the Virgin Balloon on the side followed shortly after by a flat bed truck with an ENORMOUS basket on it. We all piled into the minisbus and were driven to a field in Kentmere that was full of noisy sheep and lots of sheep poo. Participation was very much the order of the day and we helped drag the basket off the truck and spread out the balloon on the ground. While all this was going on there was much releasing of small black balloons and lots of tutting and sighing from the pilot.
The balloon is first inflated with cold air and they had a couple of fans blowing away. We were given the safety info and told that once inflated with cold air the hot air would be blown in and we'd have to jump in to provide "ballast". The basket was divided into 5 sections; a central strip for the pilot with the burners and four compartments on each corner each holding 4 people. There were 16 passengers altogether. It's snug but makes for good balance and the compartments probably add to the stability too.
We all got in and the take off was amazingly smooth. I sort of expected to have that stomach churn you get when a lift starts up, but not at all. It was hardly noticeable. We climbed fairly quickly and ultimately got up to 4215ft at the highest point. The speed varied quite a bit at different heights and at one point we were completely still and not moving at all. Time for the in-flight photo. We rose way above the clouds and watched them rolling over the hillsides. Could just make out the summit of Scafell poking out of a blanket of clouds.
We were travelling in a southerly direction and flew towards lake Windermere. It was spectacular and we were able to fly right over it. It was now time to land. Apparently, the wind speed at ground level kept increasing so we all sat down and assumed the position quite a few times to no avail. We were getting a bit giggly at this point. This extended the flight so no-one was unhappy about it. On one landing attempt we skirted the top of some trees which was quite exciting.
Eventually a suitable spot was found and the wind was okay. It was to be a "tip and drag" landing so we all sat down and assumed the position again and down we came with a bump. The basket ends up on it's side so we were all sort of on our backs and laughing our heads off. We'd been in radio contact with the "chasers" all the way through and they were on the way to collect us. We got out of the basket all a bit undignified and silly, when a farmer came roaring up on a quad bike with a face like thunder not too happy with a big red balloon landing in his field. He was soon followed by his wife who was even fiercer. Happily the pilot was able to smooth things over and we were soon helping to pack up the balloon. Bit like packing up a really massive tent. The minibus arrived and we stopped at Lowick Green to admire a heavenly view and enjoy a glass of champagne before being taken back to the meeting point.
It was brilliant. We saw deer, foxes, swans, lots of sheep, and amazing views. I would love to do it again. It was so worth the 4.00am start.
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Get your motor runnin'
Oh joy! Oh rapture! Both girls staying at grandparents tonight leaving Nick and I free to head out on the highway, looking for adventure and whatever comes our way! So we decided to spend the day out on the bike. First chance we've had for ages. It was agreed that we'd go to Tibbie Shiels. A lovely spot in Scotland that Nick has been promising to take me to for the last 10 years but somehow it's just never worked out.
The weather was amazing. Clear blue skies all the way from Padiham to Scotland. We took the A59 and A6 passing through Kirby Lonsdale and then up over Shap (where we stopped for a cuppa but ended up having some rather lovely chip butties). From there a bit of blast up the M6 and as usual on motorways I snoozed off for a bit and Nick kept having to prod me now and again to wake me up. It never ceases to amaze me that I haven't fallen off while snoozing so far! Turned off the M6 at Moffat to take the fabulous Selkirk road that leads to Tibbie Shiels.
Stopped at the little shack for a cuppa, admired the view and had a little stroll around. It is gorgeous. St Marys Loch (Tibbie Shiels is the name of the inn/hotel that stands on the bit of land between the two lochs) is the largest natural loch in the Scottish Border. Local legend has it that the loch has no bottom and it is reputed to be the coldest loch in Scotland.We didn't dip our toes in to find out but it was rather lovely.
The little cafe was nice too. Lovely looking cakes and scones but sadly was still a bit full of chip butty to indulge.Don't know if I mentioned where the latest granny square madness stems from. I was just surfing the internet when I came across some gorgeous blankets that were made for specific camper vans that can be hired at Snailtrail . Fell in love with the vans and in a moment of madness almost bought a lovely orange 1974 T2 that was for sale on eBay. In Accrington too which is only a few miles up the road from us. Sanity and lack of cash won in the end though and I'm working through it by extensive use of GST (that's Granny Square Therapy of course). Then I saw this fantastic camper and the madness is coming back. I am resisting the urge to check eBay to see if the Accy van is still there..... must..... stay.... strong.......
After having a nice cuppa we carried on to Selkirk and took the A7 back to Carlisle and the M6. What a great road that is too. Stopped for a bite to eat at Tebay services on the M6 - the only decent motorway services in the UK if you ask me for some lovely local fare and then home. About 320 miles altogether. Bum faring well but knees a bit stiff. All sorted with a nice hot bath and plenty of cups of tea.
But dear friends the adventure doesn't end here... oh no! Tomorrow, weather permitting, we are finally taking the hot air balloon ride I got as a 40th birthday present! Can't wait. I'm soooo excited about it. Got cancelled at the last minute last time we booked (last year) so fingers crossed. We won't know for definite until 11.00pm when we check the website. Cross your toes too just to be on the safe side. It's an early start though. Got to be at Newby Bridge in the South Lakes by 6.30am. We'll be on the motorbike again I think. Well we'll have to be actually since I left the car on my mum's drive. Setting off at 5.00am.
...to be continued....
Crochet Disaster
Oh no! Dropped my crochet hook last night and it slipped down the side of the sofa. No problem I thought I'll be able to get it out. But this was not to be. The little blighter sipped right down and is now residing right underneath. I can feel it through the fabric on the bottom. Along with what feels like money.
Sigh... not yet desperate enough the cut fabric to retrieve it. Happily have another hook the same size. Not as good to use though
Sigh... not yet desperate enough the cut fabric to retrieve it. Happily have another hook the same size. Not as good to use though
Monday, 12 April 2010
No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.
I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed the Easter break this year. I think it's a combination of things really. Being generally ready for a break, a long gruelling winter bursting into spring, the age of the kids and their growing independence and great weather.
It's been fabulous weather again today. We decided to head to Spring Wood for a walk and an ice-cream. Too early for the bluebells and initially it all looked a bit barren. Lots of late DAFFODILS though!
On closer inspection though, there was plenty to see and lots going on. The first bluebell and only one we saw. Not to mention lots of yellow Celandines and White Wood Anemomes and Wild Garlic flowers.
And then every so often there would be a small sapling displaying a riot of fresh green leaves in amongst all of the lifeless bigger trees. Another one of those little things that fills me with an enormous sense of wellbeing and joy.
Everyone got a bit giddy and full of the joys of. This is what happened when I tried to organise a nice group shop. Come on guys! Get it together!!
Fortunately, the woolly and ovine types were much more obliging.
Ahh. Then, of course, it was time for ice-cream. Harmsworths have been at this site for as long as I can remember. It's delicious home-made ice-cream. And that's all he sells at the moment. None of that namby-pamby ice lolly malarky! Poor chap can't take a day off once the weather picks up or he gets complaints from all the pensioners who go there to sit on the car park, watch the birds and have an ice-cream. It is rather delicious though.
Look it's Mr Harmsworth making up our 99s. And here we are enjoying them.
Yummy. All in all a rather nice trip out. Also helped older girl to forget about slightly traumatic dentist appointment earlier on. Poor thing has a hole in one of her back teeth which developed and abcess a few weeks ago. It's now been capped. This involved an injection (which I didn't tell her about) and a metal crown being glued over the cleaned out tooth. Happily, she thinks it look quite cool and has shown it off to anyone willing to look so far.
Also finished the granny blanket which is now on the bed of older girl.
I'm pretty pleased with it and it's been a real learning curve too. Am already starting some more squares for another little blankie for daughter the younger.
It's been fabulous weather again today. We decided to head to Spring Wood for a walk and an ice-cream. Too early for the bluebells and initially it all looked a bit barren. Lots of late DAFFODILS though!
On closer inspection though, there was plenty to see and lots going on. The first bluebell and only one we saw. Not to mention lots of yellow Celandines and White Wood Anemomes and Wild Garlic flowers.
And then every so often there would be a small sapling displaying a riot of fresh green leaves in amongst all of the lifeless bigger trees. Another one of those little things that fills me with an enormous sense of wellbeing and joy.
Everyone got a bit giddy and full of the joys of. This is what happened when I tried to organise a nice group shop. Come on guys! Get it together!!
Fortunately, the woolly and ovine types were much more obliging.
Ahh. Then, of course, it was time for ice-cream. Harmsworths have been at this site for as long as I can remember. It's delicious home-made ice-cream. And that's all he sells at the moment. None of that namby-pamby ice lolly malarky! Poor chap can't take a day off once the weather picks up or he gets complaints from all the pensioners who go there to sit on the car park, watch the birds and have an ice-cream. It is rather delicious though.
Look it's Mr Harmsworth making up our 99s. And here we are enjoying them.
Yummy. All in all a rather nice trip out. Also helped older girl to forget about slightly traumatic dentist appointment earlier on. Poor thing has a hole in one of her back teeth which developed and abcess a few weeks ago. It's now been capped. This involved an injection (which I didn't tell her about) and a metal crown being glued over the cleaned out tooth. Happily, she thinks it look quite cool and has shown it off to anyone willing to look so far.
Also finished the granny blanket which is now on the bed of older girl.
I'm pretty pleased with it and it's been a real learning curve too. Am already starting some more squares for another little blankie for daughter the younger.
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