Our Summer (Part 1)

Thought you might be wondering where we've

been? Sorry about that! Those that know me

really well, know that my brain goes to

mush in the summer hols and any routines or 'to do'

lists get completely forgotten!

Basically, I become completely useless!

So, what have we been up to so far?

There have been way too many wet days!

But it gives the boys an opportunity to cover my

carpet with all the little things boys like to collect!

And to get out all the puzzles and games!

Can you tell how happy that makes me??!!

Fortunately, there have been sunny days at home as well!
Which have enabled the games - and the bits - to go outside!

Just in case you're worried, there have been away-days, too!

We have checked out the local museum!
Where the boys saw the big versions of their playthings.....

Pretended to be Romans...

And saw a slightly too realistic display about the Colosseum!

I like to start the summer hols slowly - we all appreciate some
'not doing too much' days after the buzz at the end of
the school term.

We've done much more exciting 'away-days' as well - stay turned over the next few days!

Something to make you smile.....

You must watch this!

How could this not be a 'happily-ever-after'!!

A (very) little bit of retail therapy.......

Whenever I go back to Dorset, there is one shop

I have to visit.

It's called Magpie.

(this isn't a great website - but at least you'd know where to find

it if you wanted to visit!)

It is in Poundbury, the controversial brain-child of the Prince

of Wales.

(differing opinions to be found here and here)

They have a wonderful selection of gifts and cards. I often

buy tins there or cards or just something that takes

my fancy.

Do you want to see what took my fancy this time?

Thought you might!!

First, I bought a case for my camera. I have to admit that my
lovely camera has been living in the plain, black sock
that came with it free!! I know, shocking. I had
planned to make one but it just hadn't happened yet.
Now I don't need to feel ashamed, because the wonderful
Cath Kidston has done it for me (and all for just £8!)

Lastly, I thought the boys might like these when we
next make cakes!

If you saw the shop, you'd know how restrained I was!
Mind you, I am planning my next trip!

Tis the season.....

...for going to the seaside!

The boys and I have just got back from a few days in Weymouth,

staying with Nanna and Grandad.

The weather wasn't brilliant - like the rest of the UK - but

we managed a good beach day on Saturday!

With the obligatory burying of one brother by the other!

Teacher pressies.....

These are bookmarks that I made from no2 son's drawings

to give to his playgroup leaders tomorrow when he leaves.

Based on these made by Soulemama and featured in her new book,

which I am happily waiting to be delivered to my home

when it is published soon!

Cheated a bit on the embroidery, though!

No time!

(And not much inclination!!)

I do wish I didn't leave this sort of thing

to the last minute, so I could enjoy the process more!

I think I might have a problem.......

No matter how determined I am at the start of each month,

I always end up with a pile of magazines by the end of the month!!!

Mind you, I am in good company!

And, after all, who could resist!!

Well, obviously not me!!!!

The end has come .......

I love my husband all year round, obviously, but he has

a special place in our hearts around June and July!!

This is when the pea harvest comes in!

None of them ever make it to the pot - it seems a waste

to cook them when they taste so wonderful

just raw and straight from the pod.

Unfortunately, we have now come to the end of a particularly

good year.

Excuse us while we grieve just a little.......