Crochet

In February I started my first crochet blanket and I can now proudly reveal it is complete! The blanket is a Birthday gift, I laid it out on my bed to try and get a nice photo (hopefully I will get a photo of the blanket in it’s now home shortly.) I am pleased with how the blanket has grown over time and I have thoroughly enjoyed it I can now say I am HOOKED! 

Disappointment, Adventures & Excitement

Firstly after a long and agonising wait I eventually found out that my PGCE application was unsuccessful. I was disappointed but I haven’t let it get me down, I plan to enjoy life and just see how things go.

  

On a more positive note at the end of March we sailed up to York on the Sea Lion. It was an early start as we set sail throught the lock at 6am (due to the Ouse being tidal)

 

It’s difficult to describe how lovely it is to moor up and stay on the River Ouse at York. It’s a tranquil setting, to people watch and relax with the hustle and bustle of the city literally 2 mins away to dip in and out of. I love York and its shops, so of course I visited Cath Kidston and Joules a couple of times!

 Boating life is always eventful... but we had a thoroughly enjoyable week. The sun was out and all the cares and worries went away.  This is the view from the window;

So after another lovely boating holiday we have decided to purchase a bigger boat so that we can go away on longer adventures and have a few more home comforts! It's all very excting, the new boat is 30ft long so like a floating caravan.! The Sea Lion is limited with space but this is the kitchen area;

Even though I will be sad to see the Sea Lion go, the new boat has still got lots of its original features and I'm very excited to make it feel like home!

And finally more excitement as it's my birthday today-  I have received lots of lovely cards and presents! Thanks to my wonderful family x

P.S I have also been creative and I am now slightly addicted to crochet-I will post again soon!

waiting

 On the 29th Feb I had an interview for a PGCE at Leeds Met. We were told we would find out within 10 days if we had been successful- as yet I haven't heard, so I'm waiting and wondering. I felt that the day went well and that I was well prepared- so fingers crossed!

Today was my day off work and I have kept myself busy by tidying up the garden. I now have some lovely long wood planters on my decking area,- so I no longer need lots of pots. 

The sun was out and I've enjoyed my day pottering, I even ate my lunch outside. Inca also got a treat as she was outside all day too- sniffing and chewing sticks...along with jumping in the wheelbarrow!

The next job on the list is to tidy up the telephone box. Yes I have a telephone box in my garden! I use it as a greenhouse/ potting shed. It's looking a bit tired and neglected so I think this year we will give it a spot of TLC- maybe replace the broken glass and give it a paint.

I hope you've all seen the sun today x

Sealion

Today is a happy day as the Sealion is back in the water! Last August we bought this boat and had a few nice trips up to York and on the rivers and canals but then we had to take it out of the water over the winter for some TLC. I have altered the seat cushions and given the cabin a good clean so it’s all fresh. Now the fun part starts as I make new cushions and add a few more Cath Kidston items to make the Sealion super pretty, (I haven’t seen another boat with bunting hung up inside!)

 

After several months of not being able to use the boat we are now free to tootle along the water once again! Spring is on its way and I look forward to more boat holidays!

The Simple Things

As I have previously mentioned my aim for 2012 was to learn to crochet. We are now on the 9th Feb and I am well on my way! I am so pleased. My first attempt was this mini blanket (just using up some wool my mum had) 

You can see at my joining corner where I went wrong as I hadn't quite mastered it, I thought about pulling it back then decided it didn't really matter as it was just my 'learning attempt'. The pink & green blanket will be living in my caravan when I move back with my craft things. My second attempt is to make a larger blanket in the same 'plain granny square' design. 

I am really enjoying the simple art if crochet. The simple things in life are beautiful; today I watched 2 robins and a blue tit enjoying lunch at the bird table! And I made a simple loaf of white crusty bread- yum yum!

P.S - Is anyone actually reading my blog?? I am starting to wonder if I am talking to myself! x

Robin Hoods Bay

A couple of weeks ago I had a few days booked off work so we we had a trip away to the seaside. Robin Hoods Bay was the chosen destination! So on a grim wet & cold Tuesday morning we packed up the truck- dog as well and off we went! Over the moors there was a covering of snow, a real winter wonderland.

 

Our first stop was Whitby for some Fish & Chips! I love the harbour and the beautiful old part of town. 

We stayed in a hotel at Robin Hoods Bay which was lovely. The village was quiet very quiet, in the evening we had a good look around and had the place to ourselves. The quaint cottages are beautiful (even if not practical) and the couple of shops (which were closed) were very pretty from the outside. It’s defiantly a place that sleeps in the winter and it was sad to see how many of the houses are holiday lets.

 

Wednesday morning and the sun had come out! We had a lovely walk on the beach and enjoyed the simplicity of the fresh air and the sea.