First of all, I don't know why all my photos went bigger today. I have new software installed for my new camera, and that might be the cause but if anyone can help remedy this please let me know! I have used 'insert image' and cut them down to 75%, and then re done every single one. Grrr!Looks a bit better now!
Things here, whilst we're still sad and grieving; feel a lot more normal. I think the fact that the lambing is over except for 2 sheep, is helping significantly. The workload has decreased to normal madness.
We are going to go to Donegal for the bank holiday weekend. Unfortunately the forecast is rain, so I will need to get geared up for indoor games. Bunk beds do lend themselves to making huts, and the kids do have an outdoor shed, so hopefully we won't go completely do-lally. I am taking a nonintellectual fiction book! Oh, and some wine, chocolate and crisps!
I have been having fun shopping. I had been doing some training and wrote a training pack, so when the funds came through I got a lot of things we needed. My main purchase was a new camera. I am hoping the quality of my pictures will now improve. I got a Canon Ixus 75. Any photos I add here today will be a mix, I used my new camera for some garden ones, and one of Emily in the bath.
A local independant shop has been having a closing down sale, so I was in vulture mode! I got new duvets for the kids, half price; the kind you can join together to increase the tog in the winter. On the same day I got proper knives for my cooking, reduced from £210 to £80. How amazingly easy it actually is to joint a chicken when you have sharp knives.
I got a lovely flowery oilcloth bag. a lot cheaper than Cath Kidston, this cost me £8, and it makes me happy to look at it. I also have my eldest daughters 1st communion coming up, so I have purchased a dress and shoes, for me. She was sorted a while back.
On the thrift front. I got two drying cloths. They are obviously vintage, they were in an old presentation box, with ribbon round it, saying 'Made in N. Ireland 100% Linen. I have yet to decide what to do with them, sew with them or use them as tea towels?
My friend has 4 year old twin boys, and as a new baby joined the house last week, I was buying books for the twins. I can't decide what to do for the new baby though. My heart tells me I should sew him something, but my head is saying, 'you haven't time, and you aren't a proficient sew-woman'. If anyone can think of something simple please let me know. She knitted me a cardigan for my firstborn, which was just the most beautiful thing, so I'd love to return the compliment.
I have a compare and contrast picture here. The first was nearly two weeks ago, the second was today. Things are growing! Also I think I can see a difference in the pictures' quality. Phew, that's a relief!
I am really excited about my raised beds. We put stones on membrane around all of them, so I can go out there without my wellies. I often take a wee wander out to them when my husband is putting the kids to bed. I escape the madness inside and just saunter round in the near-dusk, examining closely something I have grown, which might possibly be a weed. Things are really starting to kick off. The best is the shallots, but the peas are doing well too. Now also showing as little seedlings are, carrots, beetroot, lettuce, potatoes, rocket, and the companion plants to encourage hoverflies and ladybirds.
We planted strawberry plants into one of those special pots, and they seem to be really happy in there.
Indoors I have raised some tomato seedlings, and dwarf green beans are sprouting. As this is my first year, some things will no doubt go horribly wrong, but it is really good to get outside a bit.
My other bit of news is that Emily came out in spots on Sunday, so we have chicken pox here. She is just 'clattered' in them (possibly an Irish word, beautifully descriptive). So I couldn't resist recording her plague on my new camera! I will visit you all now, and later and say hello. Thank-you for your kind words. They are appreciated.
