CSI Padiham & DWW

Despite the fact that the burglar will probably never be brought to task and we'll probably never get our stuff back I have to say that I am very impressed with the police. We rang them and they said someone would call within the hour which they did. And then at teatime today the CSI chaps came to get some forensic evidence.

They found a footprint and reckon that the thief definitely got in via the window. He must have stood on the window sill and put one leg through the window (it's quite a big window) and leaned down to grab the Wii. Probably only took a couple of minutes.

Still pissed off though.

Got my third lot of DWW today (that's dead woman's wool). A colleague at work sadly just lost his mum and brought me some of her old knitting stuff. Typical acrylic type yarn although some of it isn't too bad and will definitely crochet up into something. However, there were some awesome vintage patterns including a copy of the classic Baldwin and Patons Woolcraft. It's ace. There are lots of interesting patterns from baby things to women's knickers! I love it. I have decided to work my way through it and so have set up a new blog to chart my progress on this undertaking http://woolcraft.wordpress.com. Don't dash over there just yet though as there's nothing to see at the moment. Got a load of emergency school gala knitting and scarecrow making to finish first.  It will be just the woolcraft stuff on there, all my usual wittering will still be here!

Theiving Bastards

I can't believe it. Someone has stolen the Wii. Tonight. While we were in. Left the window open. We think they must have reached in through the window and taken it.  I can't believe the bare faced cheek. The dog didn't even notice. Some guard dog she is!

Lovely Parcels

What a day I've had for getting lovely stuff. Be warned there will be a LOT of gushing in this post

Got to work to find choccies and a thank you note from a colleague for getting her through her ECDL. Really nice of her considering it's my job to do just that! It's great to be appreciated though.

Then postie had been and I had to go and collect a couple of parcels from some swaps I've been doing lately.

Firstly, the Baktus exchange. A fantastic scarf in some lovely Violet Green sock yarn in awesome colours. I absolutely love it and am half hoping for a return to frosty weather just so I can wear it. But there was more.

A pair of socks - also done in super funky Violet green yarn. I love getting socks. I knit them all the time but not so often just for me so it's a real treat to get a pair made just for me by someone else. They are just the right size and not too long which is perfect for my short little legs! And finally, there were some mitts. Big and there was no need for an apology as they are just right for Nick and he really likes them. Many thanks to Angrymum aka Heidi for all the time and effort that must have gone into her parcel. I am so spoiled.

Just check out this bodacious Baktus scarf!

 And I so love these socks! Didn't realise how tricky it was to take photos of your own feet though! I am just so shaky!

Also got my UK Swap parcel courtesy of greenpixey aka Ewa. Another complete and utter spoiling. She really went with my current crochet obsession and I have a selection of Stylecraft and Rico yarns to play with in fabulous colours. There was also some soft touch crochet hooks (no more achey wrists for me dear readers!), sweeties, a fab felt purse and some cute crochet critters that the girls have spirited away immediately. Also some scented loveliness in there too.

Right. I think I need to go and have a lie down now!

Woolfest

OMG it was awesome. I'm still speechless. Loved it. Amazed by the creativity and fabulousness of the yarn, dyeing, spinning, felting, clothing, objects, all of it. Definitely going again next year!

Father's Day

What a glorious day it was too. There was a Classic Bike show at Gawthorpe Hall - good bit of planning to have it on Father's Day as it's hard to refuse to go on that day!  Very well organised though, there's an ice-cream van, the National Trust tea room is open, there's a children's entertainer and the glorious hall to admire. A grand day out.

Gawthorpe Hall is a fabulous Jacobean house that is just on the edge of Padiham. It's really lovely. There's an amazing textile collection there too which is well worth a visit if you are ever in the vicinity. Some say it's the model for Thornfield Hall in Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre". You could imagine poor old bonkers Bertha locked up in the Attic here couldn't you! And of course, there's the classic bike show on Father's Day too!

We really enjoyed ourselves. Lots of standing around and admiring bikes by DH and my dad. I quite like seeing all the bikes around the old hall - really strange mix. And the chap in the full vintage gear was quite a character. Love the outfit! And the socks!!

There was face painting and an entertainer for the children so everyone had a good time. Looking forward to doing it all again next Father's Day.

June is Busting Out All Over

Oh it's been a lovely month so far. Not as hot as it was at the end of May but some gorgeous days and lots of lovely things coming out in the garden at the moment.

I am loving my roses this year. The yellow ones are looking especially delightful.

Also very pleased with my window box this year. It makes me smile every time I look at it either from the inside or out in the garden.

Also got some fabulous rhododendron flowers at the moment but I think they may be later than usual on account of the cold winter we had - I'm sure they are normally out April/May time.

There's also the promise of treats to come as the bramble/blackberry flowers are also out. This will involve lots of berry picking by the girls but not so much brought home. Purple faces and stains that will never leave clothing will be the order of the day in a few weeks time. The flowers look so pretty though.

Oh and I mustn't forget the cheerful stripy petunias. They're great. So in your face and improbable looking. Like someone has been colouring them in.

The upshot of all of this loveliness has been the start of a new project. (hopes you won't notice a distinct lack of finishing of other recent projects at this point.....) Couldn't resist joining in with the Granny Stripe Blanket hookalong that's going on at the moment so here is my version so far. Got a load of Stylecraft Special DK from the knitting stall on Leyland Market. Run by a very patient lady who was most obliging when I asked her to get lots of different colours out so I could look at them all side by side to find the shades I was after. Lovely lady. Highly recommend a look at her stall if you are ever in the area.

I am really enjoying this blanket. The colours are working out beautifully and it reminds me a little bit of all the lovely flowers that are really zinging in the garden at the moment. Every row I add is making me smile. What a fun project.

History Lesson

Conversation on the way home from school...

Dad - So what did you learn at school today?
Younger daughter - we did history.
Dad - Who did you learn about?
Younger daughter - erm... I think it was someone called concreter.
Dad - (after pausing for a few moments) Was he called William?
Younger daughter - Yes, that's it. William the Concreter!
Elder daughter - Don't be daft. It's William the Conker!

Been making me laugh for days!

The Boys Are Back In Town

Well we've just had a fun couple of days with H & O visiting for a couple of days. They were last here in February so their arrival was much anticipated and all the kids on the street turned up for a nosey at the girls' nephews. It was rather sweet.

So what did we do? Firstly a walk in the early evening. No chance of a runaround on the cricket pitch as there was a match on. Then on the first full day - a trip to the beach at St Anne's. It's on the edge of a river estuary so the tide goes out for miles and miles which means a huge expanse of beach to play on and build awesome sandcastles.

We set up camp quite a way out on the sand next to a funny little pier that is all on it's own in the middle of the beach. There's usually some water left underneath which is just what you need for the sandcastle moat.  We took a picnic and set up the beach tent. Yummy.

I'm not entirely sure what this lonesome bit of pier is for but it's strangely beautiful. Form or function? I couldn't honestly say. Looks so interesting though. On with the beachcombing because you have to find fabulous stuff to decorate your castle with. And there was lots to find. Loads of razor shells, mussel shells, cockle shells, interesting bits of driftwood, mermaids' purses, bits of seaweed, crabs .... allsorts if you take the time to look.

Then stand back and admire your work.

In the end there were two castles and a couple of rockpools. Lots and lots of digging was involved. We were all extremely busy! Time for a play on the bouncy slide followed by an ice-cream.

We were all hot and tired but had a really great time. The weather was fabulous and silly old me forgot the sunscreen so am a bit of a lobster.... ouch!

Today we were all a bit whacked out so we decided on a little trip to the park. Had fun on the playground and just larking about.

Needed to pick up some supplies - how can 4 small children devour over 2 pints of milk and a bowlful of fruit before 9 o'clock in the morning? Passed the skate ramp and had to stop for some urgent sliding!

Fun, if a little hot on little bottoms! As you can see another glorious day today. We were all hot and flustered so it was definitely time to dig out the paddling pool. The one I bought on a whim a couple of weeks ago that is a bit bigger than I thought. Blimey, it doesn't half take some blowing up. However, Nick came up with a brilliant way to get around the endless pumping. We have a Kirby vacuum that was a real ebay bargain and it blows air as well as sucks. This blew up the pool in no time. Hooray! Virtually effort free! Also very good for unblocking drains we've found!

Rain rain go away!

Hmm... a very drizzly start to the month. Oh well definitely a cinema kind of day. So off we went. Saw Shrek Forever After in 3D. First 3D film I've been to since it came back into fashion and I have to say I was impressed! It was also a return to form for the Shrek movies and we laughed our heads off all the way through.  There was a bit of a green cast to the film which I got used to after a while and thought was something to do with the 3D. Turns out it was a fault so we got some free tickets to use for any film at any time! What a good do. A free trip to the cinema!!!

It's half term at the moment so I'm off work and at home with the kids. I just love my term time hours! Got stepson the younger's boys coming to stay for a couple of days at the end of the week which we are all looking forward to. Little boy next door especially as he's always outnumbered by the girls! Should be lots of fun. Will be quite restful going back to work!

Nipped to Clitheroe in the afternoon to get some fabulous coffee from The Exchange Coffee Company. You may have seen their Caffeine Rush vans at various locations. Anyhow got some "Clitheroe Blend" for a swap I'm doing and some Indian Monsoon Malabar for us. The house smells fantastic at the moment.

Also wanted to visit the Witches Galore shop in Newchurch-in-Pendle but got hopelessly lost and ended up back in Clitheroe without knowing quite how that happened. The girls thought it was hilarious (especially as I got lost on the way to McDonalds earlier in the day) and I am now referred to as "Mummy Lost Pants".

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!

Hexagon Love

I've got the six-sided bug.  It's great! Just randomly joining as I go. No rhyme or reason. Loving it.

I think I'll just keep going until I run out of yarn!

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!

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...

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....

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!