tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77770455013881649992024-02-28T15:43:10.416-08:00The Frugal Handmade HomeFishcake_randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639536696800359426noreply@blogger.comBlogger1171125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777045501388164999.post-33198280172886934862024-01-26T06:22:00.000-08:002024-01-26T06:22:08.641-08:00Time is whizzing past<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrVB34cAwgxoJysdbDlqyUa9MO9fWr0sNrUeyb7VipEu2ZDqoI-ER3gNDAwKyKrCoZyLwIobJPchYagfmn2YUAo1mFLWdNU95GdJFoJ_LKa8iPAj42yyimaJXD43BfbJNgN0-dTo6PkX_DcEqo5GNEu3lyeujna8ni1rwZauMY0TJx8ChB9QzAgourvxn/s4080/20240124_083717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3060" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrVB34cAwgxoJysdbDlqyUa9MO9fWr0sNrUeyb7VipEu2ZDqoI-ER3gNDAwKyKrCoZyLwIobJPchYagfmn2YUAo1mFLWdNU95GdJFoJ_LKa8iPAj42yyimaJXD43BfbJNgN0-dTo6PkX_DcEqo5GNEu3lyeujna8ni1rwZauMY0TJx8ChB9QzAgourvxn/s320/20240124_083717.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">I feel like the phrase 'blink and you miss it' is apt this week. We have had poorly children, job interviews, household drama and a garden shed burglary.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Poor Miss C - DD4 has had a really horrid case of conjunctivitis which we are just starting to win the battle with. It's needed a lot of vigilance to stop it getting worse or spreading to any other little Spurriers.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Tom, DH, is on the look out for a new job and has been attending some interviews including one for TESLA that latest almost half a day. So far he's had no luck getting a job offer but I just know there is job waiting around the corner for him.</p><p style="text-align: center;">In the house we have had to reshuffle some rooms and sleeping arrangements again. As the children are getting older our bedrooms needs are changing. We've made the decision to give up our living room for DS. So far it's a bit awkward but it's working. Mostly.</p><p style="text-align: center;">And finally today I came home from the school run to find our garden shed has been riffled through by persons unknown. We only keep some garden toys, lawn chairs and the paddling pool in it so there was nothing to steal. They had a good poke around though to make sure π‘ it makes me feel a bit funny that somes one's been in our space though. You just know they tried our back door and windows while they were there too *shudder*</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIyrYLmKhOcdNqrVedf_fb3-bTJ88Rpeji5ZbWF7BC0skHENN4l6AHDmEDpl-WsqXSLhX7LdLFbrNI7x_BBkT0fsoSgNsyoIMz_Wi7ZZZkR9bgkh2XuHayZ9otwIhGQcefmv60geAJAw8cgu1GIuhHj6UwBobj7Zd0Vm2eyTa-Yaq02SiHnzl9Er8IyTm/s4080/20240126_124531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3060" data-original-width="4080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIyrYLmKhOcdNqrVedf_fb3-bTJ88Rpeji5ZbWF7BC0skHENN4l6AHDmEDpl-WsqXSLhX7LdLFbrNI7x_BBkT0fsoSgNsyoIMz_Wi7ZZZkR9bgkh2XuHayZ9otwIhGQcefmv60geAJAw8cgu1GIuhHj6UwBobj7Zd0Vm2eyTa-Yaq02SiHnzl9Er8IyTm/s320/20240126_124531.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">But onwards and forwards as they say. I've kept myself occupied by making the children all a little treat to enjoy after school. They deserve to celebrate the end of a long week to.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Don't you just love these snack cups too? In our house we call them Bups (Bowl-Cups). They are apparently quite trendy at the moment on Tiktok and the like, according to my teenager anyway. Its not I get told I'm on trend π€£.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">X X X</p>Fishcake_randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639536696800359426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777045501388164999.post-19833161802930719172024-01-07T11:54:00.000-08:002024-01-07T11:54:18.068-08:00Starting tomorrow <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOqI0Yt0GUy9gK0z90ZC51dbBOP04c5vMhEKTY9Rqy5IR95z6NCEevA2mFAaYDX3-xE_6q24Y1JQ9jgSieMnfTdxCfROZ6waRc7Cd35d7DIFgPh3KTAepLBCje7nJN1aNxqMYzeBTJ9AF29dlkDI8xgGMykfhtGn1L4EmEM-8443ST3TwUcHYex_AkuLi/s4080/20240107_100848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3060" data-original-width="4080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOqI0Yt0GUy9gK0z90ZC51dbBOP04c5vMhEKTY9Rqy5IR95z6NCEevA2mFAaYDX3-xE_6q24Y1JQ9jgSieMnfTdxCfROZ6waRc7Cd35d7DIFgPh3KTAepLBCje7nJN1aNxqMYzeBTJ9AF29dlkDI8xgGMykfhtGn1L4EmEM-8443ST3TwUcHYex_AkuLi/s320/20240107_100848.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Starting tomorrow I will be taking part in our church's 40 days of fasting and prayer. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm planing to fast each day between 6am and 6pm, with Sundays off. The idea is to follow the podcasts and daily prayer guides to connect closer with God. To heat what He is trying to say to us about the upcoming year and about ourselves. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm looking forward to the journey.</p><p style="text-align: center;">X x X</p>Fishcake_randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639536696800359426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777045501388164999.post-57557089478321542202024-01-04T10:57:00.000-08:002024-01-04T10:58:52.827-08:00Whoops <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPqxmybp0-X2TY5fXn5mhk4gekHkjCE1wICycXs2JlCr-eDydMsZoH9yHXLyj-MjxV-rKjlGFOB4SOk_3J8ZAv_ra6B3VfheXHWlxBlgl_gq8l6BBRI8nSxsqj-pveOF63YtvXfUXEOx-ufzHSDf731nrb9xnA75Yp84IWclPdfMPig9hx2ICpqbzGiCx/s4080/20240104_184207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3060" data-original-width="4080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPqxmybp0-X2TY5fXn5mhk4gekHkjCE1wICycXs2JlCr-eDydMsZoH9yHXLyj-MjxV-rKjlGFOB4SOk_3J8ZAv_ra6B3VfheXHWlxBlgl_gq8l6BBRI8nSxsqj-pveOF63YtvXfUXEOx-ufzHSDf731nrb9xnA75Yp84IWclPdfMPig9hx2ICpqbzGiCx/s320/20240104_184207.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Having finished my 15 knitted hearts project I fancied something a little different. Pinterest suggested a cute heart patterned ear warmer that DD3 said she liked. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Firstly I'm not happy with my colour choices. The hearts are a lot easier to see on the photo than they are in real life which is annoying.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCn5sqHsxLHE69B_vDtjtjiRJwsRIi0Zs9n-rd7-ZZOTTVgasCcvrKIvK4NM5VhiR1vufBMseOT7vb_tz9BIZ_bgzsObvHMW2Yaj4ap5MM4OeTx-lPxHPVzrf7suE_h_XxGRK66KJYAKP5ybE8maMAOqZPovg3iVQKkqxWITUP3uE_4xWRykmZDJphCQb/s4080/20240104_184322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3060" data-original-width="4080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCn5sqHsxLHE69B_vDtjtjiRJwsRIi0Zs9n-rd7-ZZOTTVgasCcvrKIvK4NM5VhiR1vufBMseOT7vb_tz9BIZ_bgzsObvHMW2Yaj4ap5MM4OeTx-lPxHPVzrf7suE_h_XxGRK66KJYAKP5ybE8maMAOqZPovg3iVQKkqxWITUP3uE_4xWRykmZDJphCQb/s320/20240104_184322.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's also maybe possible just a smidge on the small side π€£π€£π€£</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A lovely warm wristlet but definitely NOT a ear warmer for a 5 year old π</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Having looked at the pattern again I was supposed to use 8mm needles and not size 8 needles. Let's hope the next attempt goes a little bit more successfully!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">X x X</div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Fishcake_randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639536696800359426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777045501388164999.post-6225178936083970112024-01-03T15:59:00.000-08:002024-01-03T15:59:27.534-08:00 Enjoying some freedom<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9lI1esifkPaQmtIych2vanAQ-qieiiin1jc42dOR9poOQLr2htt1L2lw5Pg5rW4_YamZoKzCqj1Rp2NIERp6kHWzHuhgf5D4keUt65mJtMTNDcdmNBuvAVUyUBpOZ8xm2lJV_4Ao5WNbJUMUS8mH34ByfylZQsz_COubSrnRDRBe3O_is0ICP5E0Arko/s4080/20240103_133730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3060" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9lI1esifkPaQmtIych2vanAQ-qieiiin1jc42dOR9poOQLr2htt1L2lw5Pg5rW4_YamZoKzCqj1Rp2NIERp6kHWzHuhgf5D4keUt65mJtMTNDcdmNBuvAVUyUBpOZ8xm2lJV_4Ao5WNbJUMUS8mH34ByfylZQsz_COubSrnRDRBe3O_is0ICP5E0Arko/s320/20240103_133730.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p> This afternoon was my first little bit of child free time since the Christmas holidays began. After taking DD4 to preschool I met with my parents for coffee and cake in one of our favourite local cafes. I remembered to keep some mementos to add to my junk journal.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-uptEPaLGVv7DfGgXP87ES46jLXzUqffinO0UkRlSWLI_d1GoslDbP8wjzOXeZ1PjB5wrbzNhdBElDUZuIoig5YYZ4YlcUOOtfbsyHwo9Pvvhc4W49FtmHAiqC_spsiCAm_AhpOKGIFCYw6MTSDBmhhqSWzuanhHtELLM1sT9kv-m3hsICeVLiOaWR_N/s4080/20240103_165356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3060" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-uptEPaLGVv7DfGgXP87ES46jLXzUqffinO0UkRlSWLI_d1GoslDbP8wjzOXeZ1PjB5wrbzNhdBElDUZuIoig5YYZ4YlcUOOtfbsyHwo9Pvvhc4W49FtmHAiqC_spsiCAm_AhpOKGIFCYw6MTSDBmhhqSWzuanhHtELLM1sT9kv-m3hsICeVLiOaWR_N/s320/20240103_165356.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After our coffee and a catch up, we had a little wander around the towns charity shops before the schools finished for the day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I found some very pretty Cath Kidston fold and mail stationary. I thought they would be useful for sending messages and for adding to my junk journal occasionally.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAn3JwfLB1WH96H1SBy60cJxJdDyLKZ9ktLitdB7LvCSxknbG-3d-HeoD-aKjG9-zzuok0i-MdXcje5h2NZcAgBihZqQ2zdUQwlAgSOSF81uYHxWXdP_JbTWBYHuH4n0jugE6_tBtdQuHaiEx2tpTpQTnd4G-mukXYH3V0aT2mzxG1juvlFXp6bSU1SUu/s4080/20240103_164544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3060" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAn3JwfLB1WH96H1SBy60cJxJdDyLKZ9ktLitdB7LvCSxknbG-3d-HeoD-aKjG9-zzuok0i-MdXcje5h2NZcAgBihZqQ2zdUQwlAgSOSF81uYHxWXdP_JbTWBYHuH4n0jugE6_tBtdQuHaiEx2tpTpQTnd4G-mukXYH3V0aT2mzxG1juvlFXp6bSU1SUu/s320/20240103_164544.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In Poundland I found some Christmas straws in their clearance section for 50p which I thought would be well suited to Valentines theme crafts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In Tesco I found some Silver and Gold paper cups for 30p.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Together I think they'd look quite fetching on the dining table. I think I might decorate the cups a little more though. I quite like the idea of drawing hearts around them with a sharpie and marking them with the children's initials. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'll think on it and see what I can come up with.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOR8r7a-6uVAhngIksptTiGjDhfA9eeFhLhP5hoSaOVuXEMRhOudPp7cbS9dPljqlOW3rusH2qFvVqGGRJeec72jIF0pKhKkGMFM2zzlXCvnQs8lcVhNLsbBq-_VR5phyFnAEP8R7SBrM5lKBnfsFoGn2Z98KU6yt0EoWaDNZPA3_PgUEUreYaoP0PU45/s4080/20240103_164604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3060" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOR8r7a-6uVAhngIksptTiGjDhfA9eeFhLhP5hoSaOVuXEMRhOudPp7cbS9dPljqlOW3rusH2qFvVqGGRJeec72jIF0pKhKkGMFM2zzlXCvnQs8lcVhNLsbBq-_VR5phyFnAEP8R7SBrM5lKBnfsFoGn2Z98KU6yt0EoWaDNZPA3_PgUEUreYaoP0PU45/s320/20240103_164604.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In Iceland I was quite excited to discover the new chocolate orange variant for Easter. I had to treat myself to one π₯°</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've yet to find the elusive white chocolate orange though. If anyone spots one please pop me a comment and let me know where they are hiding. I am a woman on a mission π€£<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1Uijoqy3rPhXH_z3y0oP9RIBGQRa3pUiHK92bMYONVlF7xh5HU2Q89mok56_t3III01CWzwLQGn8Y_AlwheUxZwFlXBHuu47gQ5BiDRTMPRwwhcJ-46nmjoSev_q9D2u7fSRnbGyd7XO4pbaJBzBQh_6CPcuMdMdCEOXE1lcZ26qgxSwjfJa4RSDfldr/s4080/20240103_165421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3060" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1Uijoqy3rPhXH_z3y0oP9RIBGQRa3pUiHK92bMYONVlF7xh5HU2Q89mok56_t3III01CWzwLQGn8Y_AlwheUxZwFlXBHuu47gQ5BiDRTMPRwwhcJ-46nmjoSev_q9D2u7fSRnbGyd7XO4pbaJBzBQh_6CPcuMdMdCEOXE1lcZ26qgxSwjfJa4RSDfldr/s320/20240103_165421.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div> Once home from the school run I found a bag by my front door. One of my neighbours had kindly given us a box of mince pies they didn't want and the softest brown shawl I think I've ever touched. I sent her a message thanking her for thinking of us. I'm not entirely sure she's human though between you and me.... she very kindly pops things by our door every so often if she thinks we can make use of them BUT not once has she ever set off my Ring doorbell camera while she does it. Bear in mind that my ring doorbell often sends me video clips of the bushes by the front gate slightly twitching in the breeze or cats walking along the fence. Very odd. Possibly a vampire?<p></p><p style="text-align: center;">X x β </p>Fishcake_randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639536696800359426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777045501388164999.post-599842202235674882024-01-01T11:27:00.000-08:002024-01-01T11:27:36.184-08:00Welcome 2024<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOymziPV1ri9AZCWYlETO8_QiLZ1d0Pd2OgHmP9m14UCE4NBCoFpDJZ-_7K28nAdushBMIkLzaBr9EZEicb3MmiblWbeEaVmuaXcFQ1mF7oZLliCVrf8QzMoQS1x4E-Y3IBGxdt_xtVicLF62TBWk8lVePK7fWe8EeIcZ3mTVQIewKqfeCVYezl-m27tZa/s2905/20240101_000214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2652" data-original-width="2905" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOymziPV1ri9AZCWYlETO8_QiLZ1d0Pd2OgHmP9m14UCE4NBCoFpDJZ-_7K28nAdushBMIkLzaBr9EZEicb3MmiblWbeEaVmuaXcFQ1mF7oZLliCVrf8QzMoQS1x4E-Y3IBGxdt_xtVicLF62TBWk8lVePK7fWe8EeIcZ3mTVQIewKqfeCVYezl-m27tZa/s320/20240101_000214.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Welcome 2024!</p><p style="text-align: center;">This year was the first time all 5 children made it to midnight. We slipped on our coats and slippers at midnight and watched some of the fireworks that were all around us. </p><p style="text-align: center;">There didn't seem quite as many as previous years but what we saw were beautiful.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBy1aghrQSvmEky8EBv7_HTa_eD-mj-6hTcq9vwUf-HnZildYYL_HAbpcvZgNcfVoWSOYeKnCeAyiLePF4ewVrDOxOuvXyS_2OjMf0aJXmCG9FoSGFdzybTXpCCNLZVHS2FU7yoho2mIvPfHksVVhJAraxW5Q94LjlCjRerfHZ4muHcbS_KDa7z0y93uGu/s2000/received_1082898019803768.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBy1aghrQSvmEky8EBv7_HTa_eD-mj-6hTcq9vwUf-HnZildYYL_HAbpcvZgNcfVoWSOYeKnCeAyiLePF4ewVrDOxOuvXyS_2OjMf0aJXmCG9FoSGFdzybTXpCCNLZVHS2FU7yoho2mIvPfHksVVhJAraxW5Q94LjlCjRerfHZ4muHcbS_KDa7z0y93uGu/s320/received_1082898019803768.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">We spent the afternoon in the company of my brother and his family. We drank some tea in the cafe at Itchen Valley while our children enjoyed the indoor play area. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Just as we decided to try a little walk through the woods, it started to rain. We hopped back into our cars and decided on a little visit to Haskins garden centre instead.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Tom (DH) kindly treated me to a beautiful pink petunia and a white African violet. The Violet was reduced to Β£1 with lots of new leaves and flowers buds growing. Both are currently living on my dining room table. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhng0unKyab7zToi8DCt62FY0NzF8nkOlLmYy597D77FPlRmcRqMrEqjY6hQabVgjkJJI2LKPuHfdWbbZb6q178hz70fe2Ed4trrAd5rWYDdDHOy-zDZQjGjb8KxenXiM-l_H7Ml0gsMMEQPF2WMgq1S4Ot0oswbqghpo8rg0rQUs-nxM2PvnxOuj36pjXG/s4080/20240101_185748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3060" data-original-width="4080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhng0unKyab7zToi8DCt62FY0NzF8nkOlLmYy597D77FPlRmcRqMrEqjY6hQabVgjkJJI2LKPuHfdWbbZb6q178hz70fe2Ed4trrAd5rWYDdDHOy-zDZQjGjb8KxenXiM-l_H7Ml0gsMMEQPF2WMgq1S4Ot0oswbqghpo8rg0rQUs-nxM2PvnxOuj36pjXG/s320/20240101_185748.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Once home we had a nice dinner of Ham, egg and chips before the back to school bathing and hairwashes began for the older two children. Tom gave DS a haircut while I settled the smallest two into bed with a story. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Then I worked on my first journal page for 2024. I'm hoping to build up a sort of diary over the year filled with little mementos of our adventures. Today I saved an used coffee stirrer, empty sugar packet, till receipt and parking ticket. I added a few decorations that tied into the days adventures. I wished I picked up a leaf to include now but maybe I'll do that on another trip. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfkfpMNqI5_qjdtbwt5zTA86ohp2RWsRak7aUgttzmZV3rNFbu9KuW9tJfyXl_qmz5YImaSf_eTItIiaRYV6NS2lMtmaMXZmtqhKw7frGXu_VYG5cfEWKkcKeNctLZ_7DPc__OW0eyQbgTHDNntkeZqImyCsxkN002H2sQ-OVNyXgYUzOxq4KLMSVn9Zn/s4080/20240101_190047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3060" data-original-width="4080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfkfpMNqI5_qjdtbwt5zTA86ohp2RWsRak7aUgttzmZV3rNFbu9KuW9tJfyXl_qmz5YImaSf_eTItIiaRYV6NS2lMtmaMXZmtqhKw7frGXu_VYG5cfEWKkcKeNctLZ_7DPc__OW0eyQbgTHDNntkeZqImyCsxkN002H2sQ-OVNyXgYUzOxq4KLMSVn9Zn/s320/20240101_190047.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">My evening will be spent drinking tea and knitting little stuffed hearts for my Valentines day project. I need to make about 15 and so far I've made 9. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year </p><p style="text-align: center;">X x X</p>Fishcake_randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639536696800359426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777045501388164999.post-72569313357383636422023-09-25T05:06:00.002-07:002023-09-25T05:06:17.507-07:00Getting into the swing of it<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCU-lpJiNql4WVkFjKJZSq3GWECdRTmoYlhR24_6684hBPfSLyxR4W4yhwXmkWs4WY8P9cxW8j8qLUyBkavpgJnSlcwVu0N4lcqkOk2Ni5LMw9-AIvVxrWhoCaN6rdpNQarfysF824y9-DYjcATkJ-fIbqC9xNREktPrhYAvOEhxY57sQHTXp8vGfCPS0J/s4160/IMG20230925100540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCU-lpJiNql4WVkFjKJZSq3GWECdRTmoYlhR24_6684hBPfSLyxR4W4yhwXmkWs4WY8P9cxW8j8qLUyBkavpgJnSlcwVu0N4lcqkOk2Ni5LMw9-AIvVxrWhoCaN6rdpNQarfysF824y9-DYjcATkJ-fIbqC9xNREktPrhYAvOEhxY57sQHTXp8vGfCPS0J/s320/IMG20230925100540.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> As much as I still dislike it, I am getting used to having free time during the week while the children are all at school. </p><p style="text-align: center;">This morning after I visited the community pantry and had sorted the house I realised I still had a few hours to myself before I needed to collect anyone.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-kz1CG4ZWl3JndQcSVvB8dvK3VW-rdEkGwoQCe6VJ4Y-wE9yCGY1WuYsW5ACTk6jBkguzAwQ2n82E9nzr5_GW2lnuKaRcAOB50BiYFizDk086zVpIYG4R6x1wk7tukYKJS03U_ECC1Kt_1fEByVXS_4WXR1IB0KCdynNGR4qznsK9A311TcnsTIHevjn/s4160/IMG20230925123801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-kz1CG4ZWl3JndQcSVvB8dvK3VW-rdEkGwoQCe6VJ4Y-wE9yCGY1WuYsW5ACTk6jBkguzAwQ2n82E9nzr5_GW2lnuKaRcAOB50BiYFizDk086zVpIYG4R6x1wk7tukYKJS03U_ECC1Kt_1fEByVXS_4WXR1IB0KCdynNGR4qznsK9A311TcnsTIHevjn/s320/IMG20230925123801.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I iced some hotdog rolls we were given yesterday for free. After I took this photo I iced the children's names on each of them so hopefully prevent some squabbles π€£</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I then found myself drifting over to my fabric stash drawer. I haven't even looked inside it for several months so I have spent a happy half hour laying all the bits of fabric out and reminding myself what I have.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think I might try sewing a gift or two for the Christmas cupboard π€</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">X X x</div><br /> <p></p>Fishcake_randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639536696800359426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777045501388164999.post-57896968946105135472023-09-09T02:39:00.002-07:002023-09-09T02:39:29.826-07:00Saturday <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5sis2egaLTnGouvs19rqupcNTch3VWmx565ryG8wO8SJzALFtm7WVNCfIp04nv1pJhq494ZUgmRXQNzlDdMlUQOd5AX9X3K7dejRkB7xP-ne9W8JN-cFQayhnOxplzHQuY5xU7aT2dsOFRZ-vBuq12xfomeUaBMubT1OJG9x5YDMkeedY8htOEddD6vG/s720/FB_IMG_1693983502123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5sis2egaLTnGouvs19rqupcNTch3VWmx565ryG8wO8SJzALFtm7WVNCfIp04nv1pJhq494ZUgmRXQNzlDdMlUQOd5AX9X3K7dejRkB7xP-ne9W8JN-cFQayhnOxplzHQuY5xU7aT2dsOFRZ-vBuq12xfomeUaBMubT1OJG9x5YDMkeedY8htOEddD6vG/s320/FB_IMG_1693983502123.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> We have completed our first week of back to school. Everyone seems to have had a nice time and though there's been a few hiccups here and there, it could have been much worse! </p><p style="text-align: center;"> On Friday I survived my first solo day at home by scrubbing the family bathroom for a few hours. It made for a nice distraction and it felt good to just complete a big clean without being interrupted by little voices wanted snacks or help or entertainment.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I was hoping to get the children out of the house today to visit our local Pride festival, but everyone has slept badly for a third night during the heat wave and no one was very enthusiastic about going so we now spending the day at home relaxing instead. </p><p style="text-align: center;"> One positive of the heat wave is that I'm staying up half the night reading because I'm to hot to sleep. I've been favouring the Kindle app on my phone over physical books so I can read in the dark without disturbing anyone who's trying to sleep more sucessfully than I am. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">X X X </p>Fishcake_randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639536696800359426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777045501388164999.post-3914230243455466142023-09-05T11:36:00.001-07:002023-09-05T11:36:23.076-07:00Tuesday<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLxCrFuF_Qxr2KmIhdZTUiSrCmeBNErbBYjINO0av91vj2CPov372tqX0hHHPsgjWdBsdluad8tbFKKxxD9zhl2g71rZZ2s5a7LhCGt5PfNhKVi50shi33eVFK0duqCTK0m4O09pCkCNlTasLBvnD6bevcUo6vl_SFaMvY4ems-HbfYrI2nZJoB0RjRQG/s4160/IMG20230905142909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLxCrFuF_Qxr2KmIhdZTUiSrCmeBNErbBYjINO0av91vj2CPov372tqX0hHHPsgjWdBsdluad8tbFKKxxD9zhl2g71rZZ2s5a7LhCGt5PfNhKVi50shi33eVFK0duqCTK0m4O09pCkCNlTasLBvnD6bevcUo6vl_SFaMvY4ems-HbfYrI2nZJoB0RjRQG/s320/IMG20230905142909.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The eldest two went back to school today which meant I spent most of the day thinking it was Monday when it obviously isn't! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was just me and Miss C for the day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm not very happy with Miss C at the moment because yesterday evening she "helpfully" fed the divorce fish. Nothing wrong with that of course BUT she dumped the entire contents of three pots of fish food into the tank. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The water this morning resembled soup with so much debris in the water and sadly several of our fish had suffocated overnight because of it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I felt awful telling the children what had happened when they woke up. Mr G was particularly upset as one of the fish that died was his favourite. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once everyone was at school and Miss C safely distracted I sorted the tank out. It took forever to get the water clear again. Luckily we still have 9 fish remaining. I just really hope they make it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the afternoon, along with several talks about "don't touch the fishtank", we made some spider cookies together. Miss C is always very enthusiastic about the stirring and cutting out parts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> We also made some popcorn in the microwave as an after school snack which went down well with everyone. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aBOh-lSsdVUOgmJlvYCZnjknpp4F4RX0AmAbLc2LeSSXXboy32S_ab9xnCKt6U2FSonCE88qt2W9lZTZg1hf8YL5df5z0JCAkYPoHRZMbIA8DIOBV1sf4n1kOd5apNlCt9DnMD3vamwGg_ESjdDW1NeATaBIzhWHQkPiZ5Avpi1boHUNiuAk_fNbaeSD/s4160/IMG20230905144834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aBOh-lSsdVUOgmJlvYCZnjknpp4F4RX0AmAbLc2LeSSXXboy32S_ab9xnCKt6U2FSonCE88qt2W9lZTZg1hf8YL5df5z0JCAkYPoHRZMbIA8DIOBV1sf4n1kOd5apNlCt9DnMD3vamwGg_ESjdDW1NeATaBIzhWHQkPiZ5Avpi1boHUNiuAk_fNbaeSD/s320/IMG20230905144834.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Whilst Miss C took her afternoon nap I started working on the plants in the front garden. I picked up two reduced punnets of autumn bedding plants for Β£1 recently and have been nursing them back to health as they were quite dehydrated when I bought them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today I started popping them into pots to decorate the front garden. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm looking forward to seeing how they do as the marigolds were really successful over summer but are now coming to the end.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This evening's plans are a nice cool shower, Dow loading some new Kindle books and reading my current kindle book which is awful. However I'm forcing myself to finish it as I'm over half way through. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hopefully my next choice will read better!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">X X X</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Fishcake_randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639536696800359426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777045501388164999.post-44185518487433690952023-09-04T08:07:00.000-07:002023-09-04T08:07:12.067-07:00 Back to school <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFv4GcWfzZxL75uMzhj-nMJUYddbfqnfx8JYeQt0f_ssto66k8PtreuhiECtFYvHlPja8nKfKwijMeUqcYLB993P-qrhi-DpJEFuygr3wPp9BoDZzrFTqJiUchs5MeRKEbKvNloUvCgOMOKyLAqn6qSIBIQkp1e_rYwtwQtZKTbEIU3wN30vU7CaEhZm5B/s4160/IMG20230904082514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFv4GcWfzZxL75uMzhj-nMJUYddbfqnfx8JYeQt0f_ssto66k8PtreuhiECtFYvHlPja8nKfKwijMeUqcYLB993P-qrhi-DpJEFuygr3wPp9BoDZzrFTqJiUchs5MeRKEbKvNloUvCgOMOKyLAqn6qSIBIQkp1e_rYwtwQtZKTbEIU3wN30vU7CaEhZm5B/s320/IMG20230904082514.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The three smallest humans all headed back to school today. Mr G is in year 4, Miss W in Year 1 and Miss C has started preschool.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Which means once the older two go back to school tomorrow I will be child free at home 2 1/2 days a week!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What I'm quite going to do with this weird and wonderous freedom I'm not yet sure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's both a bit scary and bit exciting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Today DH and I took the older two out of for a nice breakfast, then popped to Asda for some food bits and Miss D's school shoes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> In the afternoon we spotted an advert on Facebook for a house nearby with lots of free bits outside. I recognised a book that was on my wish list so we popped out to grab it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I ended up picking up three books and also a fellow playground mum who happened to live just a road over from where the books were. So by happy coincidence we gave her a lift up to the school with us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> All in all it's been a pretty active day.</div><br /><p></p>Fishcake_randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639536696800359426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777045501388164999.post-8066602429240744452023-06-10T13:28:00.001-07:002023-06-10T13:28:43.161-07:00It's getting warm again<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kCZjhcY565kAf9WWV1nJv-FmYL5b2b0hn-KHhr3bt5CMCphoItmWkEoJQ40dIRcvOu8PjdB5Ij6euzY623Shp42hDk_D0z4m17gkvDjl8-_r5vo1dxKZUJ5OAtd-FM2ljds3-P0eU7E2BYcCJbOWCjm0eDNyoEg7Ef2IFiVuvgJSttWpicPAbyDmUw/s3264/IMG20230610133551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="1840" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kCZjhcY565kAf9WWV1nJv-FmYL5b2b0hn-KHhr3bt5CMCphoItmWkEoJQ40dIRcvOu8PjdB5Ij6euzY623Shp42hDk_D0z4m17gkvDjl8-_r5vo1dxKZUJ5OAtd-FM2ljds3-P0eU7E2BYcCJbOWCjm0eDNyoEg7Ef2IFiVuvgJSttWpicPAbyDmUw/s320/IMG20230610133551.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> Today has been very warm and a little bit busy. We had fun though. </div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">Miss W was very kindly invited to a birthday party by one of her school friends so while she was attending that I took the other 4 and our lovely friends Mr and Mrs S to visit the Eastleigh Unwrapped festival before popping into the Library and Iceland. Then it was time to pick up Miss W and her friend from the party and try to encourage 6 very hot and fed up children to walk home. We ended up tempting them with promises of ice poles and cold drinks when we finally got there π what ever works right? Dinner was Iceland pizzas split 7 ways, followed by cold baths to help cool off before bedtime. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> I keep hearing rumours of a thunderstorm soon which sounds good to me. I hope it arrives sooner rather than later.</div>Fishcake_randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639536696800359426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777045501388164999.post-88422140074394028422023-05-26T10:20:00.002-07:002023-05-26T10:20:21.765-07:00Not our greatest week<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7DpWwNfXwwPvx1uJUsUP-WjLktUS5lxN2r6LFC6COEVnhOGkuD302j3IhPRCHKs-I639MbHhRHlZKu-bPMS2oxvtkBKIN-na-U3v4qRujtEyrbe0AVobuxemz4ZKwFAGAfukJdhyTFUkO0t4WqYn4MeqXoySs2twQOtp5DP_6HSZ4qIC8rLTWXfvIA/s4160/IMG20230523092101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7DpWwNfXwwPvx1uJUsUP-WjLktUS5lxN2r6LFC6COEVnhOGkuD302j3IhPRCHKs-I639MbHhRHlZKu-bPMS2oxvtkBKIN-na-U3v4qRujtEyrbe0AVobuxemz4ZKwFAGAfukJdhyTFUkO0t4WqYn4MeqXoySs2twQOtp5DP_6HSZ4qIC8rLTWXfvIA/s320/IMG20230523092101.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This week has felt like a bit of a disaster. Our car needed repairs, two of our children have been having difficulties at school and we needed to use the local food bank.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's all felt a bit overwhelming so I'm very thankful that half term is here and everyone can have a good rest and relax in the safety of home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_vBxFwb9neFlTWdjwdGuyCrzWasD8TOHu_IyKMlgkvyerfUcvEwI5SA26BYQFosKJCW_ZaqW51mZpXngcA29DGbCPB46JdaNnfptbZJ8Ll0iBmfSqcL615yFozsIZOkbrSndsc20Gf8BJHRoPdUiw_DNg4o8cyqp-Vud59OEXcnKM0Wjv33AfYdRKA/s4160/IMG20230526161025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_vBxFwb9neFlTWdjwdGuyCrzWasD8TOHu_IyKMlgkvyerfUcvEwI5SA26BYQFosKJCW_ZaqW51mZpXngcA29DGbCPB46JdaNnfptbZJ8Ll0iBmfSqcL615yFozsIZOkbrSndsc20Gf8BJHRoPdUiw_DNg4o8cyqp-Vud59OEXcnKM0Wjv33AfYdRKA/s320/IMG20230526161025.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today I needed to feel like I'd make a success of at least something so I washed the patio curtains.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My parents gave me a packet of curtain hooks a few days ago because the curtains were barely staying up. Unfortunately patio curtains are considered a very good hiding place during games of hide and seek so they are tugged around a fair amount. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Still they are bright and fresh now, beautifully scented and hung almost correctly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My tiny bit of success is complete.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tomorrow begins half term. I'm hoping to rally the troops and get them to help me clear out the back garden and make it a nice playing space for summer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Time will tell how onboard they will all be but hopefully I will have some good progress reports to share with you each day. That's the plan anyway. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">X X X</div><p></p>Fishcake_randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639536696800359426noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777045501388164999.post-56048763188578732032023-05-19T22:12:00.000-07:002023-05-19T22:12:25.138-07:00Flower power<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vHF2VMsu4eNQrGMR13RHkEUfWaoCNmIXA7bCfaminIMQrrkNJ_3hz8Q4l_-UeYxx6cbmwDRUwkAzIhPP861atJ5guy4KK5npcSTUmIMlq3JKARv5zhwg5Hcqkt319IRJtRyTXNFrdx7sUlfkf11Lkps-P8U518uIFZ2uLp0V2nSX62uh5Tdb7obqfQ/s4160/IMG20230519101553.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vHF2VMsu4eNQrGMR13RHkEUfWaoCNmIXA7bCfaminIMQrrkNJ_3hz8Q4l_-UeYxx6cbmwDRUwkAzIhPP861atJ5guy4KK5npcSTUmIMlq3JKARv5zhwg5Hcqkt319IRJtRyTXNFrdx7sUlfkf11Lkps-P8U518uIFZ2uLp0V2nSX62uh5Tdb7obqfQ/s320/IMG20230519101553.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">I picked up a tray of 20 mixed marigolds for Β£2.99 a few days ago. I couldn't resist them at such a good price. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Yesterday I gave the front garden a good sweep, refreshed the teapots, jugs and planters with a little fresh compost and got planting. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCSxQbRnGbQMU8OuVSI-tdZocS99Ezf_3E3oIWMOe7EfS5ofZvTe9eRO_ffvNvOdRNdh1d9rPKF9KD5XCDW-Hd6FXC_7FZhyrqbjDew_838jBlsC-s3RUEZsit1HChEyv07aZqdce5gdXdTU3QRPDoABltsp02zLNFSyuxdnOK9qtv1HH9VdzrFK9QA/s4160/IMG20230519101531.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCSxQbRnGbQMU8OuVSI-tdZocS99Ezf_3E3oIWMOe7EfS5ofZvTe9eRO_ffvNvOdRNdh1d9rPKF9KD5XCDW-Hd6FXC_7FZhyrqbjDew_838jBlsC-s3RUEZsit1HChEyv07aZqdce5gdXdTU3QRPDoABltsp02zLNFSyuxdnOK9qtv1HH9VdzrFK9QA/s320/IMG20230519101531.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">I had enough plants to decorate the fence, beside the front door, a few pots along the wall and a little hanging basket I found. I forgot to take a photo of the hanging basket but once it's hung I'll show you how it looks.</p><p style="text-align: center;">My front garden theme for the summer is yellow/orange. It's going to be very cheerful I think βΊοΈ</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZ1mjMF-ntqG-GxanuJy3whKf3P4OyVnE2Zsp2eWwB0kNWrp7f-F32iBvvxTE14w17GppLjFlzKgvVHPrPZdws8mJ0NWBCgF4QBU6GiyQ-dSrdc46KtSwQcL8nwFsxqEMxa3-R8ITUXUpF4OnOl-_aYqeHQmdaoSpGmjFsmB7UxMbOQHPSIr5YZW61w/s4160/IMG20230519153631.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZ1mjMF-ntqG-GxanuJy3whKf3P4OyVnE2Zsp2eWwB0kNWrp7f-F32iBvvxTE14w17GppLjFlzKgvVHPrPZdws8mJ0NWBCgF4QBU6GiyQ-dSrdc46KtSwQcL8nwFsxqEMxa3-R8ITUXUpF4OnOl-_aYqeHQmdaoSpGmjFsmB7UxMbOQHPSIr5YZW61w/s320/IMG20230519153631.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Mr G arrived home very proud of his certificate. All children who receive one each week get to sit at a special table during lunch with the headteacher and make an ice cream sundae as a reward for their achievement. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm not sure if you can make out the writing but it says "for always having an amazing attitude towards learning and trying his best!"</p><p style="text-align: center;">This term his class have been learning about the Romans and Mr G seems to have loved every second of it. Particularly learning Roman numerals, while some of class were struggling with the numbers 1-10, he was racing ahead learning the symbols for 50, 100 etc.</p><p style="text-align: center;">That's my boy β€οΈ</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">X X X</p>Fishcake_randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639536696800359426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777045501388164999.post-40027241380650497092023-05-07T06:19:00.002-07:002023-05-07T06:19:41.003-07:00Coronation weekend<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEqihzuHMnFCZ6jqXRsra86z-QBBzfc9v7-0HJCCdlGI1LTGIVhzRh2RR8s0TpHhaZHON4ENRZ4OjmRgn1FRQIguKHURvcoBh4PVTBtN4chD0T7STSvj5mcbBvjug4M12ORrJK5iN6MpxSwdrSvRXm2hbGLL6-9zoTKNRS9i8lHwUFwMRrq2svWvRmQ/s4160/IMG20230507135226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEqihzuHMnFCZ6jqXRsra86z-QBBzfc9v7-0HJCCdlGI1LTGIVhzRh2RR8s0TpHhaZHON4ENRZ4OjmRgn1FRQIguKHURvcoBh4PVTBtN4chD0T7STSvj5mcbBvjug4M12ORrJK5iN6MpxSwdrSvRXm2hbGLL6-9zoTKNRS9i8lHwUFwMRrq2svWvRmQ/s320/IMG20230507135226.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This weekend has been wonderful. On Saturday I put on a little coronation buffet and invited my parents to watch all the goings on with us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We toasted the King with a glass of champagne as the Red Arrows flew over Palace.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdaD_iFA7GC4RJBOabG8J0zO6m5dkLnfb0oPeI00giUT5axD0rAboO5ON2bvOKdEOm705iqwscil2DTkfZd3crc0s6LYQe6dIfvXDt1sE3Mxf_TO6ZgjiDaL6U9KUYXFQEKb8Ln8DTkJqQt96YTcLWkf3yIzlUuaLghbb7iJdJ7rCXuJQ2N3J1TJvvIw/s4160/IMG20230507111254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdaD_iFA7GC4RJBOabG8J0zO6m5dkLnfb0oPeI00giUT5axD0rAboO5ON2bvOKdEOm705iqwscil2DTkfZd3crc0s6LYQe6dIfvXDt1sE3Mxf_TO6ZgjiDaL6U9KUYXFQEKb8Ln8DTkJqQt96YTcLWkf3yIzlUuaLghbb7iJdJ7rCXuJQ2N3J1TJvvIw/s320/IMG20230507111254.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today, being Sunday, we went to our church's Coronation Celebration. We had a short service followed by a delicious cream tea. There were also crafts to entertain the children as the adults all mingled and chatted for a while.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I haven't been able to attend church for the last few Sundays so it was really nice to catch up with a few people I hadn't seen in a while. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYD4vpceneq0GatDaGMcsnAQvcj_avtP4X0B5olwmenVMGHPCZWs32C8PZOI72rftNZbi0EQNJbs63fV13nBC_maQ0QCIzryGfrm7a9gu12JLBztkGSpA9SVXMCqw6N3djmQ8cY3Hv_j0LMKzm-ATLIB-xYQyPqCJ0QZm1qGg1V_j3gfglYfLLQqIxVw/s4160/IMG20230507134836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYD4vpceneq0GatDaGMcsnAQvcj_avtP4X0B5olwmenVMGHPCZWs32C8PZOI72rftNZbi0EQNJbs63fV13nBC_maQ0QCIzryGfrm7a9gu12JLBztkGSpA9SVXMCqw6N3djmQ8cY3Hv_j0LMKzm-ATLIB-xYQyPqCJ0QZm1qGg1V_j3gfglYfLLQqIxVw/s320/IMG20230507134836.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">After church the day was so beautiful I headed out into the garden. My dad made some hanging strawberry planters recently and kindly gifted is one. There's several tiny fruits already set and lots of flowers showing through so I'm hoping for a few bowls of strawberries over the summer. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTmXoeiTcrXTLaOiVi9PQ_34oa7nA854YKkQ9P-yrohSsx2Q4hdN1Ol3IfQK7yxGPciC2SwVMmVF-keG4a3acqK2q4CEtQg-Jg81OYzTNKJ0II8r8w-lH6N-lSExXwqACLMyXJ5M8w90zq4Pol551N7lhwwj8TQYjkU9bblb7R96ix2ADAauQOT698w/s4160/IMG20230507134912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTmXoeiTcrXTLaOiVi9PQ_34oa7nA854YKkQ9P-yrohSsx2Q4hdN1Ol3IfQK7yxGPciC2SwVMmVF-keG4a3acqK2q4CEtQg-Jg81OYzTNKJ0II8r8w-lH6N-lSExXwqACLMyXJ5M8w90zq4Pol551N7lhwwj8TQYjkU9bblb7R96ix2ADAauQOT698w/s320/IMG20230507134912.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My uncle also kindly gifted is some surplus tomato plants. They arrived growing in half a milk carton and when I separated the plants out carefully there were 25 single plants. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm hoping to get as many as possible to survive though I'm sure I will loose a few to pests, weather and 'helping' children.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It would wonderful to have both strawberries and tomatoes this summer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A quick update on the Dandelion biscuits - they were eyed suspiciously but everyone ate them happily after agreeing they didn't actually taste of flowers or lemon. They came out rather scone like rather than biscuits. If I make them again I'll be sure to add more flowers and lemon to the mixture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">X X X </div><br /><p></p>Fishcake_randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639536696800359426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777045501388164999.post-20209659754492054712023-05-04T04:57:00.002-07:002023-05-04T04:57:59.131-07:00Baking experiments and mystery boxes<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vut0G311JYoOXPVz7adUM3EhxT28eZ5Yw25DlQnmxi8AzcC6gQtSfR8KRuHnDNTXFfgLn18QDXp-mfz5zvBAA9RJ6jgnoT0D42-WDy3iCUePawNtGiKwvqaRtLk8I1RTyWkw8E76LMk71ULyyP1qqq_CaTnPlcx-FzKZgzchW0WBoJiYcp3jkPbuew/s4160/IMG20230504123814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vut0G311JYoOXPVz7adUM3EhxT28eZ5Yw25DlQnmxi8AzcC6gQtSfR8KRuHnDNTXFfgLn18QDXp-mfz5zvBAA9RJ6jgnoT0D42-WDy3iCUePawNtGiKwvqaRtLk8I1RTyWkw8E76LMk71ULyyP1qqq_CaTnPlcx-FzKZgzchW0WBoJiYcp3jkPbuew/s320/IMG20230504123814.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I had a lovely suprise this morning when a parcel arrived out of blue from my friend Angela from <a href="http://angalmond.blogspot.com/?m=1" target="_blank">Tracing Rainbows.</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">A whole box stuffed with ribbons, thread, stickers, card, and all sorts magical things ready for become beautiful new creations. </p><p style="text-align: center;">There was a lovely card included and a gift card to purchase the family some treats. It brought a tear to my eye and made me feel very loved and cared for. Thank you Angela π₯°</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbufr5wk7gSuRAMUd82ofSZbarceixJXdNDAUiKUkaA-O2L302Om6wsN2ayBrAWpCR7sxVqeriQFO4okZZ2gV9iXt1HXKlHsU4ejeD6g92xbOxKWBPkGDkX1kdoyKNi_vQZr4RjUXNHrfat1EDVcwUUYAW2ib552p-d2Cxv_ZGJC_iEJxIV1FEjFrCg/s4160/IMG20230504122754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbufr5wk7gSuRAMUd82ofSZbarceixJXdNDAUiKUkaA-O2L302Om6wsN2ayBrAWpCR7sxVqeriQFO4okZZ2gV9iXt1HXKlHsU4ejeD6g92xbOxKWBPkGDkX1kdoyKNi_vQZr4RjUXNHrfat1EDVcwUUYAW2ib552p-d2Cxv_ZGJC_iEJxIV1FEjFrCg/s320/IMG20230504122754.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">In the kitchen today I've been experimenting with the forest of dandelions that have appeared on our back garden. Every part of the dandelion is edible and they are pretty nutrious too. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I used the recipe <a href="https://craftinvaders.co.uk/dandelion-and-lemon-biscuits/" target="_blank">HERE</a> though I have doubled the batch for my herd of hungry children. I'm not sure whether to tell them they are eating dandelions until after they have demolished the plate in case they refuse them. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I'll let you know if they are still talking to me soon π€£</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">X X X</p>Fishcake_randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639536696800359426noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777045501388164999.post-16491796120513527262023-04-09T21:38:00.000-07:002023-04-09T21:38:03.185-07:00Easter Sunday <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefjN_0cnBlcGCrVLuyBV48PbcGXWs4pvXaFmbDOnzoyOZoVvajY20sVEIC4kXBiwh8vdLtsQVQdYevhu0H2h-pvnt8l-DHzkQRr2jRnSNYUnZb5fKfH8Ev3Pn1bzAuswwBtHRn_kwo5v3N09SQo9n7qDphpQGR21FNeegbRt0NUMtAUXGMo-Sbxry4Q/s4160/IMG20230317081329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefjN_0cnBlcGCrVLuyBV48PbcGXWs4pvXaFmbDOnzoyOZoVvajY20sVEIC4kXBiwh8vdLtsQVQdYevhu0H2h-pvnt8l-DHzkQRr2jRnSNYUnZb5fKfH8Ev3Pn1bzAuswwBtHRn_kwo5v3N09SQo9n7qDphpQGR21FNeegbRt0NUMtAUXGMo-Sbxry4Q/s320/IMG20230317081329.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">This beautiful little lady turned 5 yesterday so it's been a little bit of a topsy turvy Easter. We spent the morning at church for the Easter service where we'd been asked to run the kitchen at short notice. DD's 1 & 2 were wonderful helping me set up everything and serving the guest while I prepared over 100 hot cross buns. I was sick of the sight of them by the time I finished π€£</p><p style="text-align: center;">Once church was finished we were back into birthday mode with cake, presents, and birthday treats. Miss W was well and truly spoiled with visitors and birthday wishes all day. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I can't quite believe how fast 5 years have gone.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWX6TtgJEsZGFeIk9Z0qFvANzrbKVvHXcElCWgMFh5EQaIHvKgzVJU-h1p-A4oHWo2p7in5GH1tBuX9WvsLv07uKrnUKzVMlmysXKWzvVtY01VCzIdpBu7Ao7WmOoeLoN6Hn5_NY_0EVNDiFl5CVTOK8gV4DHcTn8uCpuH1l21v_cfQxKpft09OFd66w/s1600/IMG-20230407-WA0002(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWX6TtgJEsZGFeIk9Z0qFvANzrbKVvHXcElCWgMFh5EQaIHvKgzVJU-h1p-A4oHWo2p7in5GH1tBuX9WvsLv07uKrnUKzVMlmysXKWzvVtY01VCzIdpBu7Ao7WmOoeLoN6Hn5_NY_0EVNDiFl5CVTOK8gV4DHcTn8uCpuH1l21v_cfQxKpft09OFd66w/s320/IMG-20230407-WA0002(1).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> Today will be spent having a late Easter. We held back the children's Easter gifts to give Miss W the focus for her birthday. Obviously we couldn't move the church service though.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's about 5.30am as I write this so shortly I will be sneaking around the house setting up a little pile of eggs and gifts for the children to find when they wake up π₯°</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Happy Easter everyone βΊοΈ</div><div style="text-align: center;">X X X </div><p></p>Fishcake_randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639536696800359426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777045501388164999.post-34864147113596420802023-04-05T09:03:00.006-07:002023-04-05T09:03:59.066-07:00Sunday - Wednesday <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2QHHbGDag_UKop2LkR0AkWR6ghb-a8LRpV2UDaIVd2Zo0_gvMv3-8gNiQT13fbgCVxgcRItb3WFjf2A0AI6fUgTl6gfojx8eZmRLSiUVOgeIRncGRPKE7QcJcmjDE86zRbi5x-XVYOpNkcOykeMfzBpADnDBdTovsjtEPxjfuxYfOx2FTltsPUszZA/s4160/IMG20230402112035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2QHHbGDag_UKop2LkR0AkWR6ghb-a8LRpV2UDaIVd2Zo0_gvMv3-8gNiQT13fbgCVxgcRItb3WFjf2A0AI6fUgTl6gfojx8eZmRLSiUVOgeIRncGRPKE7QcJcmjDE86zRbi5x-XVYOpNkcOykeMfzBpADnDBdTovsjtEPxjfuxYfOx2FTltsPUszZA/s320/IMG20230402112035.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> Sunday's mean church for our family so that's where we spent the morning. We were all invited to take communion which isn't something we regularly do during our services, but we were in preparation for the Easter service being held this Sunday. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiJzL6VBoTzReO-_NGQtd9sKPnqovJRKRhIeQ-j2h8KoHXYwzpMh1Yn4POt3iaQoY_8phYs8TcYrOyxwART-Vkxv6O9973JMJAt8Kti0FcSBuu2jfT7oKpBGNAVAzahNYPaWGKBHPzxE45HVgQ8SWUx_Gzov6G67ANht04EYesPbBiuGIKbcRlbIV5w/s2048/received_1412486726180963.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiJzL6VBoTzReO-_NGQtd9sKPnqovJRKRhIeQ-j2h8KoHXYwzpMh1Yn4POt3iaQoY_8phYs8TcYrOyxwART-Vkxv6O9973JMJAt8Kti0FcSBuu2jfT7oKpBGNAVAzahNYPaWGKBHPzxE45HVgQ8SWUx_Gzov6G67ANht04EYesPbBiuGIKbcRlbIV5w/s320/received_1412486726180963.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">On Monday we went to Marwell zoo. It's almost time to renew our annual passes again so we had a brief discussion about maybe getting tickets for different attraction for a year. It was soon decided that we just plain love the place to much to leave it so we will sort that out when the time comes. DH reminded me that in September when DD4 starts at playschool that he and I could have nice romantic walks and coffees up there together child free during the day. It's sounds a bit fantastic after 14 years of having at least one child at home at all times but I know a new season is on the horizon. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP30Oh0FOsiWQoTHU5qV2aFLgggDUYc5eoCeEIHtqxYYV447idFtMPpsgtFg6ZqkAz9G1cY67E1D8Vd6ySGOhDk2VPOEgX5noaPs74_EsqP8Yv-Fkjmb2aoeBCi_5AQ94im_-Q77irLz-3etAMWjg6qPTbH2ZOSX0LUtT5NWq-rIVl88D-CwtSwsclbQ/s4160/IMG20230404183121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP30Oh0FOsiWQoTHU5qV2aFLgggDUYc5eoCeEIHtqxYYV447idFtMPpsgtFg6ZqkAz9G1cY67E1D8Vd6ySGOhDk2VPOEgX5noaPs74_EsqP8Yv-Fkjmb2aoeBCi_5AQ94im_-Q77irLz-3etAMWjg6qPTbH2ZOSX0LUtT5NWq-rIVl88D-CwtSwsclbQ/s320/IMG20230404183121.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Tuesday was spent in the New Forest visiting some of our favourite little places including the always lovely Lyndhurst. The children were spoiled rotten with both a cake each from Tasty Pastries and then a visit to the old fashioned sweetshop Futher up the high street. </p><p style="text-align: center;">We popped in Hoborn Naish to wave hello to DH's parents and spent the evening in the clubhouse enjoying the kids entertainment. This year one of the team members is particularly good and had the many children on the dancefloor in the palm of his hand. He had that perfect blend of taking no nonsense but being incredibly silly too. I'm in awe of people like that.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5L6OqTYiI-JGqoztAgRQjjczQ5P6AuXbK17UG2bWuerbbKRT6YnT0CymMKUCat9lktqaFl5ynYGoMeUnJkyCEAhvECYj247K61i8Lszf-aalKVI-UcSu_Jg_3wHXXBS4TVNbmeGyjSoQkigh6kyrN-njkoYrsH1DWZAOF8njCKK3fOoRyLv7KlR2kLg/s4160/IMG20230323111104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5L6OqTYiI-JGqoztAgRQjjczQ5P6AuXbK17UG2bWuerbbKRT6YnT0CymMKUCat9lktqaFl5ynYGoMeUnJkyCEAhvECYj247K61i8Lszf-aalKVI-UcSu_Jg_3wHXXBS4TVNbmeGyjSoQkigh6kyrN-njkoYrsH1DWZAOF8njCKK3fOoRyLv7KlR2kLg/s320/IMG20230323111104.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Today has been a quiet relaxing day after two days travelling around. Last night ended up being quite late for everyone so we were in no mood to wake up early for another trip anywhere. A late lazy breakfast and some art at the dining table filled the morning happily and the afternoon has been filled with movies, video games and encouraging each of the children to take a nice afternoon bath. </p><p style="text-align: center;"> Soon it will be my turn to enjoy some scented bubbles and read a few chapters of my book in peace. I can't wait.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> There's two plans for adventures tomorrow depending on how the weather is looking. Either a rainy day visit to soft play or a sunny adventure on the beach. Personally I'm hoping for beach. I haven't been beachcombing in forever. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> X X x</p>Fishcake_randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639536696800359426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777045501388164999.post-36512873085330987672023-04-01T06:59:00.002-07:002023-04-01T06:59:37.996-07:00Saturday <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NFQSnBWJTVv-D_tAU-wheJAkXHWEsA0RJPD12h3xmMki0PLm-Eb6Nq3O_iuL_I594lJwX3guJqup4xJhxTbK9PTSJjc5hsIxeBaTOjnQhu53GkRsV-sMrr-jnMtqXkFewjv2jDuGkqW6HHBPGMnlRZMQrTNX3pPExUP4rMx5Jsslzs-irncoD6tnZA/s4160/IMG20230401110034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NFQSnBWJTVv-D_tAU-wheJAkXHWEsA0RJPD12h3xmMki0PLm-Eb6Nq3O_iuL_I594lJwX3guJqup4xJhxTbK9PTSJjc5hsIxeBaTOjnQhu53GkRsV-sMrr-jnMtqXkFewjv2jDuGkqW6HHBPGMnlRZMQrTNX3pPExUP4rMx5Jsslzs-irncoD6tnZA/s320/IMG20230401110034.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> Today we all took a soggy walk into Eastleigh for our first free event of half term. All 5 of the children happily joined in with the Easter wreath making, I couldn't resist a photo of them taking up a whole side of the craft table to themselves. Every so often I look at them doing something like this and realise that 5 is a lot of children π€£ and yet at other times it feels like just enough children or even not enough children π. </p><p> After the craft session we took a nice long walk around the shops taking part in an Easter trail. We found all of the bunnies hidden in shop windows eventually and returned our completely sheets to enter a competition and receive an Easter chocolate each. We were one of the first 75 to take part so we also were given a cute blue tote bag and some Easter themed stickers. </p><p> After the trail we headed to Macdonald's for a Happy meal each. The price of the meals has increased dramatically along with everything else so I think that will be our only visit this half term as I'm sure there are cafes we can go to with cheaper children's meals. When you are buying 5 at a time the costs really creeps up π€£</p><p> We are all now home for the afternoon. DD1 and the two smallest are happily snuggled together watching a film together and DD2 and DS1 are playing video games. I'm hoping for a peaceful cup of coffee and a chapter of my current book before anyone needs me.</p><p>Fingers crossed.</p><p><br /></p><p>X X x</p>Fishcake_randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639536696800359426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777045501388164999.post-77722036523783980462023-04-01T06:46:00.001-07:002023-04-01T06:46:10.410-07:00Friday <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLTJqSnd-8_UYgvjXXuFinn7jEABSQ5trbM46u3N2wnAWnakm4C4CIR92D6gB3rZaGlJjvxz5SJ1CLl1vV5yPhVCuN_7_0l90Ekx2xxgWTEsL2fYud7-ag5co9PcA1n0MdcSF9V1Uy7KH6Cgm1aFNy3x65ureVJnVb6Hk0D1BqA4DGatjG98TYwVCzQ/s4160/IMG20230401093419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLTJqSnd-8_UYgvjXXuFinn7jEABSQ5trbM46u3N2wnAWnakm4C4CIR92D6gB3rZaGlJjvxz5SJ1CLl1vV5yPhVCuN_7_0l90Ekx2xxgWTEsL2fYud7-ag5co9PcA1n0MdcSF9V1Uy7KH6Cgm1aFNy3x65ureVJnVb6Hk0D1BqA4DGatjG98TYwVCzQ/s320/IMG20230401093419.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /> Friday was spent mostly at home. <p></p><p> A neighbour of our has been struggling a little with life lately and I've been trying to help out. So on weekdays once I've gotten up and sorted my own household out, I then pop next door and get my neighbours children up, dressed and fed. I often pop the laundry on and set up the slow cooker while I'm there as it's nice and early in the day. To say thank you they gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers for my dining table π₯°</p><p> There seems to be so much struggling and worry around at the moment I think it's really important we all try and look after each other. Goodness knows no one else will at the moment. Times are hard indeed. </p><p><br /></p><p> X X X </p>Fishcake_randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639536696800359426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777045501388164999.post-35635705976646913952023-03-30T13:54:00.005-07:002023-03-30T13:54:59.399-07:00Easter half term begins<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5Tlll969CE2adfaNR9r3aWBCoaWiSUxYszw8X2J3QuiCIwY_WmKZmBwZAl0rY8VhKizrC6J4MkOLyMPe071QuUKBNNq7j8ZvUpB2MlxnJmfCSWRkNd8c_DmQ_2hs3oWZpX3SJLZrXGqZLatyeVr2Pun_wxCPqyyJIhoossTW5XIalZ6uuNaFok4_0A/s1920/received_1468581090339177.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="954" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5Tlll969CE2adfaNR9r3aWBCoaWiSUxYszw8X2J3QuiCIwY_WmKZmBwZAl0rY8VhKizrC6J4MkOLyMPe071QuUKBNNq7j8ZvUpB2MlxnJmfCSWRkNd8c_DmQ_2hs3oWZpX3SJLZrXGqZLatyeVr2Pun_wxCPqyyJIhoossTW5XIalZ6uuNaFok4_0A/s320/received_1468581090339177.jpeg" width="159" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> Hello Strangers.</p><p style="text-align: center;">It's been such a long time since I last found a moment to blog. It had crossed my mind a few times lately to come back here and try to get back into the habit of Blogging our little adventures.</p><p style="text-align: center;">This morning someone contacted me via Facebook asking how we all were and saying they missed my blog posts. It's sprung me into action. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Today has been reasonably uneventful. That's a great start to blogging isn't it π€£. The children all attended their last day of school except for DD1 who has a half day tomorrow. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I spent the day mostly reading, drinking tea and relaxing whilst knowing it was the most peace I was going to get for about 2 weeks π€£ Even DD4 picked up on the days chill out vibe and snuggled on my lap for a delicious afternoon nap. At almost 3 years old, Miss C almost never has a cuddly nap anymore, she much prefers to just nod off where ever she happens to be at the time. I thoroughly enjoyed even warm snuffly minute of it π₯°</p><p style="text-align: center;">Tomorrow we will begin our Easter adventures. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">X X X </p><p><br /></p>Fishcake_randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639536696800359426noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777045501388164999.post-12635934512980568722022-12-03T10:50:00.003-08:002022-12-03T10:50:58.883-08:00School Christmas Fayre<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQEV8DBteDNtjrJYGqLQrJfsZPJe6nLCfDWU_EWunIyJIXseAZHVIrK2wgf2_qhevRJnLZQRl94RoAHI_qgrwoYUZ8brrU-fGQN3uG7JBu-6TXy-24OVILJ0iiNzoSDLcvPs9kpO-Dn41NRPwlDnVCB0-txOt5f8vpX_Czx9s0H0l5oXvXII3HYCIUw/s4160/IMG20221203123532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQEV8DBteDNtjrJYGqLQrJfsZPJe6nLCfDWU_EWunIyJIXseAZHVIrK2wgf2_qhevRJnLZQRl94RoAHI_qgrwoYUZ8brrU-fGQN3uG7JBu-6TXy-24OVILJ0iiNzoSDLcvPs9kpO-Dn41NRPwlDnVCB0-txOt5f8vpX_Czx9s0H0l5oXvXII3HYCIUw/s320/IMG20221203123532.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today we took a trip to our Primary schools annual school fayre. The PTA alway put on a great range of things to see and do, this year was no exception.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We of course had to visit the Santa's grotto βΊοΈ this year the gifts were craft based which was a nice idea. The older 3 happily did their crafts when we got home meaning I got to have a much needed cup of tea and a sit down.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEsi1zp-nIPbjYLhWQgEnBx86BEEq6HlL_lkiQx8SEAo-5nP9k-N2xF0mcKELWySSKnOz5DJXpxPrCAuvv2cREh37DPZEU33VzKIQcZ0alaQA_caI4Pf3Yh-SkwPLc1P4f5T3mJpDL49CXsBKO5enB54AgRWqVrXUFJ7uhjSutWKnfB4jNU4uPYvtXA/s4160/IMG20221203114407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEsi1zp-nIPbjYLhWQgEnBx86BEEq6HlL_lkiQx8SEAo-5nP9k-N2xF0mcKELWySSKnOz5DJXpxPrCAuvv2cREh37DPZEU33VzKIQcZ0alaQA_caI4Pf3Yh-SkwPLc1P4f5T3mJpDL49CXsBKO5enB54AgRWqVrXUFJ7uhjSutWKnfB4jNU4uPYvtXA/s320/IMG20221203114407.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Once we had finished visiting Father Christmas we treated the children to a hot dog each. At Β£2 each they were a reasonably priced lunch and it felt good to treat them. </p><p style="text-align: center;">We also tried our luck on the tombola stalls and I had to have a good browse of the book stall too βΊοΈ</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_xPt7HZDpTd0fixEjKQ2moQHZQL1zCv7XKNk5jZTla0P8zLNSlS8wOyAfbnO7jC-w-rkL25-eQkliaCogwrlVt6yzSzKHq49eaTeNhNVu26TxpE5PFhQiQ4tyZnsi9894nsND_iTQOBBKaEbcn8fb_LI1o3nXCWcGvxCIRgyQpRLK1xzwD_AOLywHw/s4160/IMG20221203113536_BURST001_COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_xPt7HZDpTd0fixEjKQ2moQHZQL1zCv7XKNk5jZTla0P8zLNSlS8wOyAfbnO7jC-w-rkL25-eQkliaCogwrlVt6yzSzKHq49eaTeNhNVu26TxpE5PFhQiQ4tyZnsi9894nsND_iTQOBBKaEbcn8fb_LI1o3nXCWcGvxCIRgyQpRLK1xzwD_AOLywHw/s320/IMG20221203113536_BURST001_COVER.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> There were several free things that children could do during the visit. Such as a mobile petting zoo that was in the playground. We saw miniature donkeys, brushed some goats, chatted to chickens and fed some bunnies. </p><p style="text-align: center;">There was also a trail around the school of elves to find. If you found them all you could get a free prize from the Raffle stall.</p><p style="text-align: center;">It was a nice nod to the cost of living crisis that no child would go home empty handed and could enjoy a few games and visiting the animals with no funds needed.</p><p style="text-align: center;">It really was a wonderful afternoon trip out. OH coped well but he needed to stand behind the buggy a few times in crowded parts to avoid being bumped or jostled by overexcited children running around. I think he'll sleep well tonight though π</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">X X X</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Fishcake_randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639536696800359426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777045501388164999.post-32102370930185002652022-11-25T11:14:00.001-08:002022-11-25T11:14:14.878-08:00That Friday feeling <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTyMZF4AjU5fdXGzFS5xvyt0FHavFTN-Me3nZQ8SkFlhvlGR3OoLrbwUsrM-f5yOrtFTvYaQH6G96jZi5dkifcAf28-8d5uFv3bXwm_e8m4Mpp1rhf1rk8lufnC-vw16A9Kdkcz-dy_obeCutQBDbknFTdybo3bBxva1a4_e3ADYt6yjogUZjUgnxNg/s4160/IMG20221125092511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTyMZF4AjU5fdXGzFS5xvyt0FHavFTN-Me3nZQ8SkFlhvlGR3OoLrbwUsrM-f5yOrtFTvYaQH6G96jZi5dkifcAf28-8d5uFv3bXwm_e8m4Mpp1rhf1rk8lufnC-vw16A9Kdkcz-dy_obeCutQBDbknFTdybo3bBxva1a4_e3ADYt6yjogUZjUgnxNg/s320/IMG20221125092511.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> It's Friday! Another week survived π</p><p style="text-align: center;">This morning I popped the children to school and then had a reading cafe session with DD3. It was lovely to have some 1:1 time together. She really does have such a cute and sunny personality, it's a joy to be around her.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROc_W03qvVyDyPrRiBo_h3v8UUkTttfU_7Gy-n4-vTXSWihw4zPbkUv2r1zgSO01bGhOCnJWgsSJZwVtZtnWm24uBnxDZSfido2IbEetK4sjWuO_7LyEO3FEHR4UrUWZvCGWiNTpom5hk-XGyqChogO1-RtMll6cZuUeTbe89ifBTjJjaZN_m0l502Q/s4160/IMG20221125101853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROc_W03qvVyDyPrRiBo_h3v8UUkTttfU_7Gy-n4-vTXSWihw4zPbkUv2r1zgSO01bGhOCnJWgsSJZwVtZtnWm24uBnxDZSfido2IbEetK4sjWuO_7LyEO3FEHR4UrUWZvCGWiNTpom5hk-XGyqChogO1-RtMll6cZuUeTbe89ifBTjJjaZN_m0l502Q/s320/IMG20221125101853.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After leaving the reading cafe I popped to the community pantry. Β£5 really doesn't go as far as it used to even at the Pantry. The shelves were a little empty looking but I managed to complete a shop anyway. I'm thinking of trying to make some cod fishcakes or a fish pie with the cod steaks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once home there was a short break while we waited for DIY Dave to turn up. He is a local quy who fixes washing machines and dishwashers etc. His prices are very reasonable and if he can't fix something he won't charge you for looking at it. He also always gives out a wealth of hints and tips on looking after your machines and getting the best out of them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> He was able to repair our washing machine which had a minor issue, but sadly or dishwasher has gone to electrical heaven with a computer fault that just isn't worth the cost of fixing. We will start looking for a good deal on a new one shortly. DH says to leave it to him as it'll give him something to do while he recovers. He quite likes researching it all, comparing reviews and machine specs etc so he's quite in his element.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We found some old long forgotten Meccano while decluttering some cupboards this afternoon. DH has listed it for sale on Facebook as a job lot. If we're lucky it'll make some money towards a new dishwasher π</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> In the early evening DH popped to Aldi, he was kindly given a lift by his mum who was also headed there too. We needed some essentials for the weekend so it saved me and the children trying to carry it all home by hand tomorrow. DH not being able to drive yet is definitely frustrating him a bit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tonight's plan is knitting in front of the England match. Could it be coming home finally?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">X X X</div><br /> <p></p>Fishcake_randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639536696800359426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777045501388164999.post-28619320705537833392022-11-24T09:59:00.000-08:002022-11-24T09:59:21.754-08:00It's Thursday <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHrSvNHYPQXAa_5AlPOBY2treUkoNSL460EQ58Ox43akkuJCzf_xvkU8ZV9V3vuWnRw6bx4dByAk1bwb9NKbTrCPqjw-9S-HVGiesNpWUuRslPHK7_wtDQl24EglEhPP41nD8CZsxEThjzksZyTR_-HisXe-FWlgeU6KChmzffVcDmAjjVtsx6ovNrg/s4160/IMG20221124110048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHrSvNHYPQXAa_5AlPOBY2treUkoNSL460EQ58Ox43akkuJCzf_xvkU8ZV9V3vuWnRw6bx4dByAk1bwb9NKbTrCPqjw-9S-HVGiesNpWUuRslPHK7_wtDQl24EglEhPP41nD8CZsxEThjzksZyTR_-HisXe-FWlgeU6KChmzffVcDmAjjVtsx6ovNrg/s320/IMG20221124110048.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Good evening π</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Thank you all the kind messages and good wishes for DH. He says he feels a little better each day but is getting quite frustrated with his lack of movement. He is okay doing things with his shoulder as long as it isn't to much weight bearing so he can feed himself and drink etc but if he needs to change heights, for example buttoning a shirt or pulling a zip it's still very painful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today was a cleaning sort of a day. I deep cleaned the patio doors and gave them a good shine up this morning and then tackled a few marks on the carpet from all those soggy feet running in and out. As you can see Baby C was quite happy to join in and help me βΊοΈ</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the afternoon I popped to the shop. We need milk and three nice donations for the school tombola. The children are allowed to wear non uniform for a day in exchange for a donation. Each year group has a different theme so there is plenty of variety. I also picked up a packet of "whoops" biscuits. These are the biscuits that are a bit odd looking or broken which don't pass quality control. Some companies now sell them in big bags or boxes for quite a reasonable price. I paid 99p for 1kg bag. If you haven't tried them I recommend giving a packet a go. It's quite fun as you never know quite what you are going to get but they are always tasty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Afternoon school run was uneventful but rushed as we tried to beat the weather home. It was just starting to drizzle as we reached the door so we did a good job. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dinner was chicken wings, veggies and baked beans. The three smallest all turned their noses up at their meals and ate a bowl of cereal instead. Tom soon polished off the extra chicken though, all that healing is giving him an appetite.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tonight's plan are a little reading in bed and perhaps some knitting with a movie. I'm trying to knit Baby C a hat but I've lost my mojo with it somewhat and I'm getting cross with myself for not just getting it over and done with. I always seem to wander off whenever it's on my lap and so it just sits there looking crossly at me π</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">X X X</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">X X X</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Fishcake_randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639536696800359426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777045501388164999.post-8283071982665744392022-11-23T11:59:00.001-08:002022-11-23T11:59:49.878-08:00 Family news <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4t3BWJNWPDQmw2zdhQBt7sEJ900k-CQUXmD0SN0inFSAk6eE45Cg0Pk2xw88QnH4W6N7bwnUfF_tGhUu9m_OY_XfglivgGCPAjXH3ULLwHbdgjxAg1B4lVxuPmasHKisFlxsfWEYwTqK1xtpFLlMqicdCgMtqp05YTBeLs59H8ioJI4xtaB74V39Ww/s3264/IMG20221116165728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="1840" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4t3BWJNWPDQmw2zdhQBt7sEJ900k-CQUXmD0SN0inFSAk6eE45Cg0Pk2xw88QnH4W6N7bwnUfF_tGhUu9m_OY_XfglivgGCPAjXH3ULLwHbdgjxAg1B4lVxuPmasHKisFlxsfWEYwTqK1xtpFLlMqicdCgMtqp05YTBeLs59H8ioJI4xtaB74V39Ww/s320/IMG20221116165728.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> It's all been a bit epic here in the Frugal household! Poor DH has just returned home from a 2 week (almost...12 days!) Hospital stay. We've had to cope with brushes with sepsis, the possibility of superbugs, allergic reactions, and more antibiotics and IV's and cannulas than I can count. </p><p> We are all incredibly grateful to the all the wonderful NHS staff who directly and indirectly helped get DH back to a reasonably healthy state. We still have a little bit of a recovery journey ahead of us, but we can now face it together at home π</p><p> The story all started on the Wednesday of half term when we were invited to go swimming at a nearby water park. While going down one of the flumes with DS, poor DH picked up a small friction burn on his left elbow. We didn't really think much of it.</p><p>Fast forward a week and DH returns home from work as usual saying he thinks he's pulled a muscle or something in his elbow. By the evening his elbow had a bright red patch of skin around the almost healed friction burn. I suggested getting it looked at but DH insisted slathering on some Sudacrem and trying the local walk in centre in the morning rather than spend hours in A&E with late night drunks. Gradually overnight DH developed a fever and the red patch began to rapidly grow. My dad took him to the local walk in service and they very quickly assessed him and sent him to hospital for IV antibiotics. I assumed that it would just be over night and he'd soon be home. How little I knew.</p><p> Over the next few days the infection in his elbow exploded. Drs we're drawing circles around its progress every few hours and there were several antibiotics being tried in the hopes of finding one that worked. He had to have his wedding ring removed as the Infection began to move to his hand, and I was warned he could be facing damage to his organs as the infection also crept up his shoulder towards his heart and lungs. Luckily at pretty much the final hour something started to work and the infection slowly was brought under control. Add in a sudden serious allergic reaction and yet more changes of antibiotics just to keep things hanging in the balance!</p><p> Thankfully he is now well enough to be home but still a little delicate. He is currently signed off work for 4 weeks but that will most likely be extended as he is very tired and has quite limited movement in his arm still. </p><p> I'm not quite sure what curve balls life will throw at us next. We certainly weren't expecting this one. </p><p> It's never a dull moment around here. That's for sure !</p><p><br /></p><p>X x X</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Fishcake_randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639536696800359426noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777045501388164999.post-20537784586196399382022-10-14T00:50:00.004-07:002022-10-14T00:50:51.785-07:00Thursday <p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvmgRIxAJpWEZ9LaOYnA5krcnOC2mu54Jc8FmxXIIB6XUIi4WAEE4Q-xqs-eXiPOQtuhZPKU8oBiuvGRB2XK3K5_-rKCbVOlTbOE6u2GXxwAYwS-EnBpXgi1aUqUAZBFsb4rVKELh4EmTb0VcSgVI5wM4jKAGSdFXNpjnv9unpzR-xaYTczTHidJJWQ/s4160/IMG20221013093734.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvmgRIxAJpWEZ9LaOYnA5krcnOC2mu54Jc8FmxXIIB6XUIi4WAEE4Q-xqs-eXiPOQtuhZPKU8oBiuvGRB2XK3K5_-rKCbVOlTbOE6u2GXxwAYwS-EnBpXgi1aUqUAZBFsb4rVKELh4EmTb0VcSgVI5wM4jKAGSdFXNpjnv9unpzR-xaYTczTHidJJWQ/s320/IMG20221013093734.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> It's been a bit of a busy day. It started bright and early with our neighbour knocking on the door asking to borrow some milk as they'd run out. I passed them the end of the 6pint bottle we had as there was a second 6pint bottle already in the fridge to replace it. There wasn't a lot left but enough for a bowl or two of cereal and a few cups of tea π</p><p> Then I took the children to school. Poor DD3 was coughing the whole route and was very cuddly while we waited for the school gates to open. I told her teacher I would be home all day and if DD3 needed collecting to just call me and I'll pop back.</p><p> Once home I set up the slow cooker to make a nice beef stew. I finished just in time for the school to ask me to collect DD3.</p><p> I returned to the school to find DD3 was fast asleep in the medical room, I woke her up gently and managed to half walk and half carry her home.</p><p>Ten minutes after being home and settling DD3 into a sofa nest and given her some Calpol my phone rang again! This time is was the other school calling to tell me that DD1 had been accidentally hit in the face during a PE lesson. DD1 was okay but had gotten herself into a bit of a state bordering on a panic attack. Eventually she had calmed down and gone back to her classes. </p><p> This was followed by a third call from the Primary school again to ask about DD2's new medication π€¦</p><p> Finally all the phone calls and interruption stopped and I was able to make a dessert for the evening while DD3 and DD4 had a little nap on the sofa.</p><p> My parents kindly walked DD2 and DS home from school for me so that was a welcome break. My neighbours knocked on the door again and gave us a new 2 pint bottle of milk to replace the milk they borrowed in the morning which was very kind of them.</p><p> Once everyone was home safe and sound the evening was quite quiet thank goodness π€£</p><p><br /></p><p> X X x</p>Fishcake_randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639536696800359426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777045501388164999.post-81476816516718432892022-10-12T04:18:00.001-07:002022-10-12T04:18:15.851-07:00Complicated life<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mEfcoVfQW2EGQnS2tHvVAwjzAFNU2xRIn5gGD_Vv0GkhcDVipPzcShURU9U-VcFhxHWdHMegIoWwvnGZNjkFoaigeBRatGa7nCKM1c8c0A5CrSpAN_7T64AawYhiTB2zSnF7vyeTGt_5N-hsTIr6RQnxaepY29kpMUIxSt6giq4RuD1C4utWw7Em7w/s4160/IMG20221011160646.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mEfcoVfQW2EGQnS2tHvVAwjzAFNU2xRIn5gGD_Vv0GkhcDVipPzcShURU9U-VcFhxHWdHMegIoWwvnGZNjkFoaigeBRatGa7nCKM1c8c0A5CrSpAN_7T64AawYhiTB2zSnF7vyeTGt_5N-hsTIr6RQnxaepY29kpMUIxSt6giq4RuD1C4utWw7Em7w/s320/IMG20221011160646.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div> *** Please enjoy this random photo of some art I bought yesterday. It has nothing to do with my post but I like to add a picture with each blog π**</div><div><br /></div><div> Life is feeling hard right now. I know and recognise that it's tough for everyone out there but my blog is about me and my not so little family so I can only really go on my own life experiences when I talk about things.</div><div><br /></div><div> Everything just feels so overly complicated at the moment. It all seems to take so many more steps and stages to do anything than it used to. I'm finding myself craving the simplicity of the first lockdown. I miss having so much time with my children and my husband each day. </div><div> I feel like each day rushes past me and then I feel bad each evening that I didn't do enough that day and promise myself that I will do more tomorrow. It's not a nice way to live at all. </div><div> </div><div> I need to find ways to slow the world down a little bit and smell the roses more.</div><div><br /></div><div> X X x</div>Fishcake_randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639536696800359426noreply@blogger.com2