Approaching Another Birthday

Usually January, for me, is one of those long months that has to be endured after the joys and business of Christmas. This January has just gone and half way into February and I now feel as if I am just surfacing. Thank goodness Mother Nature hasn't been waiting for me! I have finally noticed her screaming at me! So today, after church, I decided I needed to honour her and go and visit some of her beautiful delights.

I'm sure, in past years, I have seen masses of snowdrops by now but I guess the cold winter has delayed their onset.

Now this flower is hiding her beauty and so I had to contort myself into an unlady like stance to get a picture of her true face.

She shouldn't hide as she is magnificent.

The crocuses are gearing up for displaying their wares.

I was amazed as to how much colour is already out and I had gone about being totally oblivious!

It's lovely to see buds appearing, new life to come.

I've no idea what shrub this is but it had a lovely perfume.

Golly I have to take my hat off to Mother Nature - she takes so much care with her painting and designing.

I have managed to do a little bit of knitting. I wanted to knit a hat with some Drops Nepal Yarn but the Drops pattern I chose I just could not get to grips with it and so had to find another pattern to use. Anyway at long last I achieved a hat! Ta dah!

It's very difficult for me to take a selfie - but this was the best I could do!

Oh well you get the idea!

Now as I approach my birthday I have been getting emails with special offers. Now I thought this was kind. So here was one from Ask Italian.

£20 voucher how lovely - but then I got to reading further down the page!

Got to spend £50 first! Mmmm what a disappointment!

Never mind Mr P was really lovely to me yesterday. As I have not been too well for the last few weeks he spent a large chunk of Valentines day helping me with housework and gave me some lovely roses along with a bottle of red wine!

Tomorrow my birthday! Wahay! There have been cards and parcels arriving - soooo excited! Well wishing you all a good week whatever you are doing - BUT do take time to have a look at Mother Nature's handiwork.

Birthday Weekend - Bristol, Rowan and Ayla

Last weekend Mr P had a special birthday - one of those numbers that is perhaps best not boasted about! It had been decided some time ago that we would spend this weekend in Bristol with my daughter and her new baby. So plans were made for Mr P to have a special time.


The morning started with a leisurely breakfast and a cuddle with his new granddaughter.

This was followed by opening of presents and cards.

As you can see he had a little helper - Rowan!

Who also decided sitting on the suitcase would be good fun too!

We then went out to eat an early dinner at The Lamb and Flag Harvester. Now this might not seem like the best place to celebrate a special birthday but when you've got young children and especially Rowan - who once he sits in his highchair has only one thought running through his head "where's the food?" - then this place becomes heaven. They have a salad bar and within minutes of sitting you have access to the massive salad bar.

Then Mr P had a surprise - he was given a ticket to watch Bristol play football with my son in law.

It was bitterly cold so they had to wear lots of layers, but I think they had a good time and enjoyed the match.

The next surprise was that I took him to a jazz gig in Bath - Gypsies Of Bohemia. They were performing at The Chapel Arts Centre. It was a brilliant night listening to five members of this group, as up until fairly recently there were just three of them. I particularly thought the pianist was excellent. It was a great venue and a great night out. Lucky people of Bath to have this venue.

The next day we went for a rather quick walk around Portishead. Had to be fast as my daughter cannot walk too far after her c.section and also there was a real chill in the air.

Mr P trying out the new double buggy! Ayla is there if you look hard!

Well on such a cold day all that was left was to head to Waitrose for a cake and a hot chocolate.

Back for a short while - few stories with Rowan and cuddles with Ayla before it was time to head back home to Leicester.

Granny Again!

Yes I'm back with lots of pictures of my new grand child. Last Monday my daughter, hubby and I arrived at St Michaels Hospital, Bristol at 8am. By 09:15 she was in the operating theatre - wow what service.

Here I am left looking at an empty bay and an empty crib - felt anxious and yet very excited to see these two spaces filled.

Then I could hear these loud cries of - Ayla born 26th January weighing 9lb 8oz. It was so good to hear and even better to see her.

Here she is just two hours old!

I was so privileged to have been asked to be there at this very special moment for them all. Straight away Ayla wanted feeding. I just find it amazing that a baby just knows what to do - amazing to watch this small child rooting around for some milk!

Thought you crafters out there might like to see this picture with the lovely brightly made blankets and booties.

All been too much and time for a long sleep.

I love looking at babies toes and fingers - aren't they just amazing?

I think she's got long fingers. She certainly is long in the body. Well the next day I am left in charge of the home whilst mummy and daddy are at the hospital! Here is the dog taking over the stool!

I took Rowan out to the park and then we came back for a very early dinner (11:15)! But look at the chaos with all the toys and the dog hoping that some food falls her way!

Needless to say it was all cleared away quickly and I took Rowan to the hospital to meet his sister for the first time.

 The next picture really confused us all for a while. Every time Rowan saw his sister covered with a blanket he would insist on removing it and then reach for her tummy. After several times of him repeating this behaviour my daughter remembered that he has a dolly and when he presses the doll's tummy she makes different sounds! So we guess he thought the same would happen with his sister!

 But all too soon the novelty of a sister wore off and the toys around became far more interesting!

Well the next day they were all home and I could bore you with sooo many pictures.Mr P came down to visit and we took Rowan out to the park again and a quick trip to McDonalds. Rowan makes me laugh as he tries to cram as many chips as he can into his mouth!

Grandad reading never ending stories to Rowan.

Just another picture!

Then this next picture is for a friend, from Leicester, who knitted this cute pink cardigan.

The last morning of my stay I woke up to discover Rowan up to mischief!

Just one last final picture!

I am such a lucky person to have these beautiful grandchildren and two more in Leeds! I am sooo blessed.

I'd like to say a BIG THANK YOU to the staff at St Michael's Hospital for looking after my precious daughter so well and delivering me yet another perfect precious grandchild.

A BIG THANK YOU to my daughter and son in law for letting me be around at this special time in their lives.