WI & Pampered Chef....

Great WI meeting on Tuesday hosted by Sally a Pampered Chef demonstrator.  Three tables laid up complete with ingredients and kitchen tools - I was on the 'Team Trifle' table and what a fun time we had.  Other tables made guacamole and a lovely Greek, puff pasty delight, very tasty!

Went to Burford and Bourton  on the Water with Megan on Wednesday as it was a lovely, sunny
day, we had lunch (of course!).'

Thursday I had a meeting at Citizens Advice but it was not much help to me as I have 'too much' income to claim any benefits.....need to hide some money before I go down to 'social'.!!  Took Dad to his respite care whilst Mum is in Ireland with Nick and Gill.  Nick took us out for lunch, but as per usual, Mum paid!!!

Been trying to keep up with the EDiM challenge ....

 Also, Mum and I went to see some bluebells on Tuesday in a wood near Marlborough and I have been covered in flea bites every since!  So much for Spot On!

Looking forward to a new drama series on  Sunday from a book of the same name.....Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell.
.
Gave up trying to read the book club choice for this month, The Hearth Hums in B Flat, chosen by........ME! (blush)  Not my cup of cha at all, hope the next one is better

What happened there then......

Can't believe I haven't posted anything in over a week, especially with it being the end of an era!!

Well, 1st May came and I was officially made redundant, I wasn't overly emotional about the whole thing and am, in one way, glad to be leaving now as AFL is soooo changed from when I first started there over 12 years ago.  A few of us went to the Goddard Arms after work for a few drinks and Rhys kindly came and picked me up.  

I've been doing a bit of 'artwork'....

Great weekend of celebrations....

Well the 'big day' rolled around on Saturday and luckily the weather managed to hold out for us, cold but dry.

The Pear Tree was terrific, the food was good if not to everyone's taste.  Gill did a brilliant job with the flowers and her mate did a fine job of the  cake, although I felt it lacked a bit of colour maybe!  There was plenty of opportunity for photos on the patio after lunch and then off home for more chat and food and drink.

Nick and Gill stayed with me overnight and then we all gathered again at Mum & Dad's on Sunday morning where Megan did an excellent job of cooking breakfast for everyone!!

Here's a few photos from the day......

Monday, monday.....

A bright but chilly morning for the start of what could be my penultimate week at work!  They were in doing the barrier today so things are moving along on that front and I think next week will probably be my last week at AFL.

Had quite a good weekend not doing anything special but it was lovely and sunny and I spent Sunday with Mum as usual.

I love this unusual plant which is on the corner of our row of houses.  It has very large bright green leaves and at the moment has amazing black berries on it!

Only a week to go 'til the do and have been talking to Gill and Richard with regard to food, drink, taxis, etc. Everything seems to be OK with the Pear Tree and the sleeping arrangements are all settled.  Gill is having a cake made for the anniversary but we've agreed we don't need another one for Mum's birthday the next day.

Pressing on quite well with listening to 'The Help' on my tablet,  still have quite a few chapters to get through yet though.  Have also been crocheting away on my Ocean ripple blanket...pictures to follow.

A productive day....

Finished potting up all the plants and have hung up my hanging basket out the front too!

Terrific Thursday.....

Now I know that that will include a lunch out and as she has just finished telling me she's stoney broke I know it will down to me to foot the bill!

Another wonderful, sunny day and I was feeling pleased with my decision to have a 'duvet day' and then Megan came up with the idea to go out for the day!

















After a bit of research and not wanting to travel too far afield I decided to go to Sapperton, near Cirencester.  The Daneway Inn is a lovely old fashioned pub out in the middle of nowhere with a garden for Lulu.

It turned out to be a lovely few hours including a nice walk along an old disused canal listening to the strange calls of some bird and smelling the wild garlic.

Easter Bunny....

Easter Monday.......took Mum out for a couple of hours this morning then did a little potting and planting this afternoon and the garden is beginning to look a bit summery at last!

Signed up for another class at Sketchbook Skool - Awesome Art Journaling by Koosje Koene because I have totally stopped sketching/drawing  lately and really want to get back to it now.

My first effort was a quick sketch/watercolour of the Lindt Easter Bunny that my Mum & Dad bought me.....it's nearly all gone now!!  lol

Happy Easter

Well here we are with my first post in my new blog!!

I've decided to start a blog to keep track of my reading, WI, films and TV viewed.  My photos, zentangles, sketches and anything else that grabs my attention!

Today I went to Ma & Pa's with Megan, Rhys and Sarah for Easter Day lunch.  We had a lovely roast followed by a delicious chocolate cake made by my good friend Sharon (it went down a real treat!).



Lulu got in on  the action as well, of course and had plenty of bits off Grandad's plate!!  Spoilt pooch!