All dressed up

 Our posh photo came from our night out last Saturday

We are both very pleased with it

Will have to find a frame

 I have done nothing but stitch

finally choosing the colours for this square

 The finish line for this central section is so close.

Hope to have it done by middle of next week.

Our Christmas lunch on Wednesday was good, we all ate together, it can't be easy to cook for 400+ people, they kept away from using anything with nuts in, so I had some choice. It was my 1st turkey lunch this year.
Josh was very pleased with the family tree I had printed out for him, it had enough information for his project, they had to go back to their great grand parents, which was interesting because Josh never met any of our parents.
Sam was tired again, he had been busy practicing his Christmas Nativity, the school always has a true Nativity, we can't wait to see it next week. Both boys loved the garden lights, Sam was sure the Light fairy had done all the work, they checked under the tree to ensure there were gift's with their names on, just looking, no touching. Dawn,  Sam took home his snowman with chocolate coins in, he loved it, the other two were posted to Taunton for Logan and Finn. Josh is too grown up for snowmen but not for the chocolate.
All our cards are now posted, hubby went to the post office yesterday, except for the one's we have forgotten, there are always a few.

Hubby finished the Christmas cake as well, it's the first time I have not baked it, he has a few things to make, sausage rolls and mince pies, we hope to pop to the butchers tomorrow to get supplies.
Our last task is the supermarket shop, we don't require a huge amount, just 4 of us for Christmas lunch and just two of us the rest of the time, we will be in Somerset for the New Year. Hubby will do the shopping nearer to Christmas.
I am having a real stress free run up to Christmas, firstly we are not over buying presents, food or anything this year, plus hubby had done loads whilst I am at work. The main thing I am not missing is the constant Christmas tunes blasting out every where, normally by this time of the month I have had enough of them.

Stitchy catch up

stitching update

I'm getting excited I am nearing completing this center diamond

 The lower pale lemon was stitched wrong so this evening I have unpicked it

soon I will stitch for an hour. 

Hubby was bored today, so when I got home from work he had put lights in the back garden, we had decided not to bother this year, but he made noises along the lines of not to disappoint Sam.
Sam has already rejected dressing my real tree in the garden with bird food, so I have a couple a strings of beads and stars for him to use tomorrow after school.
Josh is doing a project about families, and I have created a small family tree for him, we will discuss everyone tomorrow, it's nice to help with school projects.
In work we are full on into Christmas, Wednesday is our Christmas lunch, our whole office is eating together. Next week we have Christmas Jumper day, department raffle and secret Santa, which is a party day, loads of party food. Then we have the building raffle, with huge prizes, not that it will matter, I'm not lucky enough to win.
My knee's are still aching from Saturday night, but it is worth it, we had so much fun, we are waiting for the photo's to be published, we had a nice one of us taken. Another earlyish night tonight should see me back to normal, it really does take longer to catch up with missed sleep.

The festive season is really upon us.

HOME SWEET HOME

Sorry Christmas mug came out tonight

homemade mince pie

 Both books arrived this weekend, I was not happy the postman left them on our doorstep, very little chance of theft, but we have loads of rain, the packing was really wet and the bottom book damp. 

 Catch up time

Not so much time last week for stitching. 

After a long drive we were very pleased to be home, we had a great time in Somerset, again all the Jones family were together, next time will be in 2016. We stayed in Priemer Inn with Fliss and the boys. Lunch out was great 24 people, so busy, all the children behaved lovely whilst still having a good time.
The evening soon started to turn into a adult party, very nice but not with Josh and Sam, I don't drink much, but I do make a point of only ever having one small glass of wine when they are around, so we left about 8.30 and got the boys into bed earlyish. This morning we all met for breakfast, Brewers Fayre do a great breakfast, where children eat free, again 20 people, we sat for a couple of hours whilst the children played in their own fun area.
A visit to my brother, he is having problems with our younger sister, she was caring for our younger brother who passed away in the summer, but on checking all his paperwork, she was rather naughty with his funds, she is now accusing us all of neglecting our brother and accusing her of theft. She won't speak to us and the probate solicitor is asking questions, oh well, families!
Tonight we are in the warm, the wind is howling around the house, just a plain tea, we are both fed up with fancy foods.

Playing nicely

I have finished my November good read

third book by Diane Chamberlain, 

I need a good December book, any suggestions

Paula asked about monkey nuts,
We often get them, just peanuts in their shells

I decided to outline the inner section, 

it makes it easier 

Spot the difference

the back is as important as the front

Our weekend was bliss, quick dash to a nice village close by, collect my bracelet which had a broken link fixed at jewellers, pop into butchers for lovey meats.
Sunday morning at home, both daughter came for lunch with partners, everyone gets on so well, hubby made sausage rolls and mince pies, his pastry skills are brilliant, the sausage meat was wonderful, he added apple and herbs to the pork.  After our lunch we walked to the castle, a very cold walk around and then into the local pub, 1st visit in almost two years, it went down hill, now under new management, with huge log fires and a clean place to sit, we chatted for a while. Back home just hubby and I, did some sewing. All in all a perfect weekend, we are home in Somerset next weekend with Josh and Sam, family birthdays, so meals out and parties.
This morning my car was iced over at 6.45, and bloody cold, my big winter coat is out again. Work was good busy, but we are slowly chipping at a utility company who are giving us major problems. Tomorrow a new lady starts, sat next to me so I will be training, it will be nice to have someone different, but as a team we are all working well together.
I have a couple of  new followers, which amazes me, thank you for stopping by and joining in.

It's cold outside

My Christmas cards have been designed

 Simple embossing

 Inside using some of the gold card I have

After all the dies I purchased for my Christmas present last year, my plan was to make layered cards, but after the recent problems in Paris, I decided to keep it simple. There is always next year for using all the different designs. I do like to have a coloured insert in my cards, I think it makes them look better. I will also make a few more with cards from previous years left overs.
I am still finding glitter here in the office, it has got everywhere, hubby is not happy, it will take ages for it all to disappear.

 I have filled in a few centers

It's looking good

Over half way now

The weather forecasters got it right, through out the day yesterday it started to feel cooler, the winds were high, which added to the lower temperatures. This morning I decided it was vest time, bit old lady ish, but I like to wear layers, and later we are going to pop out.
We had a late start to our day, we had neighbours round last night for a drink, which lasted to 1.30am, can't remember the last time I stayed up that late, but it was interesting and fun.
Our garden is winter ready, so other than hubby picking up leaves( his job now he's retired), we can stay inside in the warm and watch our garden. Our flowers are still looking good, but not for much longer.
The bird feeders are overflowing with seeds and nuts, I got some Monkey nuts last weekend, so they are sprinkled around the plot, plus I had some soft eating apples given to me and I have placed them around the garden, the local bushes are also full of berries, a good start for the wildlife.

So it's raining

We did expect the heavy rain this morning

Not been out in the garden after work this week

stitching instead

Filling in the center blocks, I'm just past half way,

But it's being packed away for a few days

Yesterday after work, we went to our local IKEA store, it's not too far away, youngest daughter was after a couple of cheap coffee tables, we have not been for over a year, we needed nothing, but got a couple kitchen items, for once we did not require any glasses.
We got up early (for me) this morning to try and do a few garden jobs before the rain came, but it started raining as soon as we were up, so things will have to wait until tomorrow, I do need to get my pots done. We also cover our wooden garden furniture over the winter months, but we would like a couple of dry days so we don't cover wet wood. Both Purdy and Grace are in their baskets all warm and dry.
So today is back up plan, I want to get all the wedding invitations done and ready for posting, which means the office is going to be covered in glitter so no housework this morning.
Later we want to pop to Tesco, we drink fresh coffee, and our brand we use is expensive, so we thought we would try and save money and purchased a few different packs of cheaper coffee, we have both had enough and will buy our normal brand, cheap coffee is a saving too much.
Today we want to see Josh back from his week on the farm, he loved the whole stay, so we are hoping to hear all his fun.
Again we hear more shocking news, this time from Paris, terrorist attack on six locations, 120 have been killed. Our world can be a wonderful place, people can achieve so many great things, I am going to focus on those thoughts rather than the worst side of humanity, so few people can harm so many and cause so much fear. Will the terror never end.

Pretty flowers

Colour for a nice change, a birthday present

Thank you for all the birthday wishes

I have one Orchid regrowing new buds and loads of dormant ones

Stitching, these colours are totally down to me

plus I needed to add some white area's  

Almost half way

Carrie Rose has arrived, but I will do the last part over the weekend. 

Free flowers

these were a gift last September and now they are huge again

I love the darker blooms in the bush. 

I watched the second TV program on waste, I was shocked on how much waste there is through out the food chain, I knew farmers could not use all the produce they grow, but I foolishly thought they used the mis shapes for ready meals, soup, even animal fodder. I also though the supermarkets did not throw away food before the best/use by dates, and I hoped we were all better at home with our waste. It has been an eye opener for everyone who watched. I not sure how we can resolve all the waste, I am guilty of buy nice looking veg when I choose loose items, but I do like the thought of having two grades of veg, the miss shapes being cheaper. At home we eat all our home grown veg no matter what shape. I can't see how it will be sorted.
I am still tired this week, we have no plans to go out over the coming weekend, I want to sort my garden pots, and plant tulips, it's now getting late and they need to be done. I also spent some of my birthday money, I have purchase a 24"  living Christmas tree for a nice pot in the garden. Sam will help me decorate it with bird food, lovely strings of monkey nuts. Sam was explaining what we should use yesterday on his after school visit.
Josh is having loads of fun, he is away for a week with his school, living on an educational farm, feeding animals, sorting crops and general work around the farm. I can't wait for Saturday to hear from him how good it was.

My turn

It has been interesting to read the comments regarding Monday's TV programme where Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall looks at what we throw away. Most of us on here already do more than average to ensure less waste. 

Our perception and the brain washing from the supermarkets into how long we can keep food is one of the key issues. Long ago, before all the best before dates, my mum (and I bet everyone else's mum) used their eyes and nose, but there was hardly any process foods. We all have differing views on what is still good to eat.

My family have laughed at me for years, I don't like to eat meat which has been minced up and then put back together, sausages and burgers are top of my list along with chicken which is reformed. I do eat sausages and burgers but only from our local butchers shop, they cost a bit more but taste totally different than most of the supermarket brands, how we make savings is to buy expensive ones but eat less. Our portion sizes are really bad, see this chart below it's an eye opener. 

Process food is off our shopping list.

 We often have meals without fish and meat.

We follow a few simple rules.

1, It does not matter how cheap it is or even an BOGOF, if we don't want it we don't buy it. This simple rule has stopped us throwing away food, for many years we loved the bargains, and then struggled to eat things before going off.

2, We no longer do a big supermarket shop for fresh meats and veg, we buy little and often, this can cost a little bit more, but waste also cost us. 

3, We only keep clothes in our wardrobe we can wear, and not endlessly shop for new, I know what is in my wardrobe and have space to see everything. We do still like a bargain and buy most clothes at end of season sales. 

4, Most important, if it ain't broke don't get a new one, again my mum hardly ever shopped for anything new other than to replace a broken item, we never missed out as children. We have been brainwashed into needing new things each season and year, we have no need to redecorate our house each year.

So is our lives boring

No we spend Saturday having fun together instead of the slog of a trip to town for needless purchases. Having less stuff is empowering, less to worry about, we quickly learn't we don't need to want so much. We have most everything we require, but more importantly we think before we buy, because, 

If it's not in the house we can't throw it away. 

After all it's not rocket science. 

I'll get off my soap box!

I have had loads of stitching time, another design worked out

 I have to decide how I am going to fill the triangle gaps,

 to follow a design will be messy, 

I might just choose one design for each space. 

We had the boys last night, both were great fun, we are lucky to live so close to them. I also got my sewing machine out, did some boring mending and made a couple of small Christmas gift for a swap I have joined.
Su will be around later for the final session for her wedding invitations.

Happy Halloween

Good start to the weekend

we were given so fresh eggs

my tea is blackberry and elderflower by Taylor's

It must be getting cooler

both cats are using their baskets

they started using them again this week,

A bit more time for stitching

It is coming along well, 

It takes loads of time when filling the whole canvas with stitches

This will be a cushion on our sofa.

Win is still doing well, I have not seen her for a couple of days, her family have been visiting, but hope to get in to see her over the weekend.
We are home with no plans, hubby is a bit house crazy, so a trip out is called for, I would like to go to B&Q, and get pansies, they are much cheaper for bedding plants, and if I choose well I will have some nice flowers over the coming months. Plus hubby will have a wander around the place. We also require a new wok, we have a non stick one, had it for years, and it's starting to stick. I used to have an iron wok, which I had to oil all the time, but it was heavy to use.
Later when the rugby is on, I will get out my sewing machine, I have a small repair to do and I want to make a couple small Christmas items.
This evening daddy is bringing Sam around in his Halloween costume, so we will ensure I have a few things hanging around the front door and have sweets and cake.
Tomorrow time with Su, another wedding fayre, she has booked almost everything for her and David's day, but it will be nice to spend time together.
Fliss is in Yorkshire this weekend, a family weekend meeting loads of new people.

In the rain

These came home with me last Sunday

I have not had chance to get them in the pots yet

it's on my list for this weekend, get my spring pots done

 It's raining, these still look beautiful

my garden is still full of colour

 Cosmos as well, these blooms are huge. 

 Garden looking good, leaves from next door falling onto our lawn

The Magnolia leaves are still on tight. 

 Purdy crashing the photo's, loads of colour outside the back door.

 We made this mound last night, hubby found a hedgehog fast alseep in his garage, nice and dry but not the best place for him, so we laid straw in this corner by the greenhouse, popped him on top, no he did not wake up and then loads of straw on top, we will add leaves from the Magnolia as they drop. 

Hopefully he's in a safe spot. 

 Not had much stitching time this week, 

which gives me time to think about the design of the center squares. 

 But I finished this book as my October read. 

Win has had her operation and is recovering well, she has had a plate fitted, and they hope to have her out soon, a couple of weeks in a hospice and then she will stay with family. We don't expect to see her home before Christmas. She is a fighter and still very strong.
Hubby had a letter from the tax man, who says he has underpaid by just under £1,000, not the sort of news we wanted now he has finished work and before the expense of Christmas, we will pay it monthly, just over £70, it's alot of extra money to find.
I have done nothing on the wedding cards, daughter is happy to wait until the menu is set, I am beginning to think about my Christmas cards, I have a few ideas floating about, I am going to keep it simple this year.
We are having a simple night in, I have been to the hospital most nights this week, but Win has her niece with her today, so I can relax at home. I have a few more things to add to my phone now I have it fixed and back.
Sam and Josh are at a firework display tonight, it's at the Navy base where Fliss and I work, they have a big display each year, it keeps lightly raining, but they are wrapping up warm. Fliss wants to drive past the section where they repair the helicopters, they have loads of different sizes in and Sam will love seeing them.
So I am having a much better week, work is going well again, so much easier when everyone is in, we do love to have a laugh through out the day.

See what I've made

We made Sun-dried Tomato and Parmesan bread

we cheated and used a mix, 

but added loads of chopped sun-dried tomatoes

For lunch I had a couple of warm slices with Brie

 It's growing

 I think we might just be there

this is a mock up invitation, once confirmed as OK

I will have to make them with all the care I can find. 

It's been a busy day, morning at hairdressers then popped into town, which was busy, we got a couple of Christmas presents, and most of what I required. Hubby made comment a couple pairs of my work trousers were not as smart as they could be, so I looked for two new pairs. I came home with none, I had two choices of style, most were thin at the ankle, which makes my bum look big in them, or there was nylon old ladies style with elastic on the waist. Now I am closer to old lady than young woman, but really, what happened to the lovely styles for ladies of a certain age, I did find one pair in M&S, Per Una at £49.00, tad too much for me. I will have to stay wearing my skirts. My 2 pairs of shoes cost me £16.00 for the heals to be replaced, cheaper than new shoes, but again rather more than I expected.
Hubby is watching the rugby, no shouts from the living room so he must be agreeing with the ref in the match. I have been working on my 2015 book, I am behind with it, but then again there is no rush to get it done.
Tomorrow Sam is 5 years old, we will see him at his party at a local kids function/play themed fun factory. How quick the time is going, 6 weeks time we will be sorting all the decorations for Christmas.
I have joined 12 days of Christmas hosted by Jo at The Good Life, we swap 12 parcels for Christmas gifts, at max £2 per item, I have 10 so far for my swap, it's fun. I am also doing a Christmas card only swap with Amy at Love made my home, I don't normally join swaps.

On fire

I have had serious amounts of stitching time over the weekend

hubby watched Rugby matches and I stitched

 Each square a complete work on their own

 I'm building the colours as I go.

 Not quiet half way through

I love the colours on here, all right for this time of year, I started this on 10th August, so this is two months stitching. In a couple of weeks the last part of Carrie Rose will be published, so I will have a weeks break, not that I need a break I love this. I am still building colours, and have one last decision to make. 

Su and I have been looking at the design of her wedding cards tonight, she won't have the full menu for another week, so everything is on hold, there is little to do, but I will wait just in-case any of it changes. Each time we get together we are a step closer to finishing them. My office is covered in glitter.

Hubby cooked lambs liver and bacon for tea and added a few extra items, one being a small pepper which was with the last of the root veg from our garden. A huge shame, it was a chilie, which I hate, so instead of a lovely tea, I had a meal I did not enjoy, he has promised he won't mess we such an iconic dish next time. 

The Midwife's Confession by Diane Chamberlain, is turning into a good book, has me thinking on whats going to happen next, she has a very nice style of writing. 

Now off to relax before bedtime.