Mrs Hedgehog's Ramblings

Another update!!

2010-11-28T06:59:00.000-08:00

Well so long since I posted I expect most people will think I have vanished off the face of the earth. Sorry to disappoint!!
Life is trolling along. Have had a couple of fabulous holidays/breaks since I last posted.
Had a week in Sarasota Florida with our very good friends Joan and Rene. The weather was wonderful especially as it was mid October and we had a very relaxing time. Even went in the sea!
Was very sad to leave. However, all being well we may meet up with Joan and Rene in Winter Park Colorado next March/April for some skiing. Our Dutch friends Dirk and Els will be there too so the old gang would be back together again.
The 2nd break was last weekend. Our 5th wedding anniversary and my 55th birthday, himself was organising a weekend away and I left it to him ( was a bit nervous as he kept saying it's in hand 2 nights in Skegness). Night before he said at 9.30pm he was off to bed as he thought we might pop across to Manchester Airport in the morning and see if we could pick a flight up!! Gullible me said ok so I packed a bag and we went to bed. Following morning we were up at 4am off to the airport. He had booked car parking and then we got on the bus to the terminal.
He asked where I fancied going but his plan was scuppered when a jet 2 agent asked me where I was going I replied I don't know, himself then muttered ROME I squealed and kept saying thank you thank you before giving him a big hug and a kiss. She thought it was very sweet ahhh!

So we spent 3 days in Rome, wow what a fantastic surprise. We went to the Colosseum then checked into a fab hotel (he had had it booked since August!!!). On the Saturday (my birthday) we went to Vatican City it poured with rain but we paid the extra for a guided tour to miss the queues which snaked round 2 sides of the walled city!! It was a wonderful experience. We had a lovely meal in the hotel in the evening and then on the Sunday went to Trevi Fountain and Spanish steps and just had a general wander through Rome. Our flight home was delayed by torrential rain but we were home by 10pm so not too late. It really was a complete surprise and he is going to have to go some next year to top that!

The wedding plans are coming along less than 16 weeks I believe now. The diet is ok still losing but very slowly, however I have started a personal training plan with Nigel at Pure Body Solutions which although hard work twice a week has really begun to change my body shape.

So back to work again tomorrow another week nearer the end of the year and also our 1st skiing holiday. Making no promises about when I will update again as I never manage to stick to it.

New baby

2010-07-14T13:44:00.000-07:00

Well Kahlan Grace arrived yesterday at 6.54pm weighing 8lb 7ozs. She is gorgeous of course. Very much like Finley.
I have had cuddles of course. Even given her a bottle.

Will post pics when the camera battery is charged!!

A quick? update.

2010-07-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

Well the days then the weeks then the months go by .

Such a lot has happened since I last posted. We have been on 4 more holidays!

Las Vegas, Barcelona and Winter Park twice. All of them were fabulous. Took hundreds of photos.

Nicholas and Lesley have set a wedding date 25th March 2011. So the diet is now on in earnest.

I have lost 11 lbs since last September doesn't sound much but it's a big deal for me.

I even came back from skiing and weighed the same as when I went. RESULT!

My right knee had been playing up catching and clicking so I bit the bullet and got a referral from the Doctor to the specialist. I am so lucky that I have medical insurance through work.
In May I saw the specialist , had a MRI scan and on 1st June had surgery, only keyhole cleaned it up a bit. Unfortunately I have mild/moderate arthritis on the outside of my right knee. I know compared to a lot of people it is nothing but it's my knee and I am the one who now has to get it right again.
I have been having physio twice a week and working hard on it. I will be able to carry on doing whatever I want and learn to live with the discomfort/pain. The consultant believes that I will eventually need a knee replacement.

I had 4 weeks off work I was very bored and read a great deal I even did a bit of scrapping. Spent a fortune on the internet.
I am now back at work on a phased return, 5 hours a day this coming week.

My friend Tanya is now overdue with her 2nd child, a little girl who will called Kahlen. Finley is growing up very quickly he is a very funny little soul and so loving I hope it continues when his new sister arrives.

We had a bit of an accident in the office/craft room a shelf fell off the wall so we are going to redesign it(I may get more room)

The photo at the top is one I took recently on a walk round the field, Finley and Boston, talk about me and my shadow.

I am currently doing Shimelles new class Love your pictures love your pages the other pic below is one of my efforts.

I will try and blog more often.

My simple life: Blog candy day!!

2010-06-26T12:33:00.000-07:00

My simple life: Blog candy day!!

2010-04-07T15:30:00.000-07:00

Can't believe how long it has been since I last posted. We have done so much that I will have to start tomorrow and do a quick synopsis!!

2009-08-14T12:11:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time between posts. Not sure what's been happening. I am working fulltime at the moment as I am on an Underwriting course at the end I will have an advanced mandate to assess mortgages. It's tough, an awful lot of learning I will get the hang of it all I'm sure.
The best news of all is that "MY BOYS" Huddersfield Giants have reached the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley on 29th August. We have our paid for our tickets already. There were £61 each so I expect a good view and even more important a win!!
We are also off on holiday to LAS VEGAS on 30th August so a busy weekend. We are trying to decide what we are going to do, there seems to be an awful lot.
What with working fulltime I have not had a lot of time to do much scrapping. I have had a weekend away with the girls from Leeds Paper Dolls in Settle North Yorkshire we had a really good laugh, not sure how much scrapping we all did but it was nice to get away.
Finley had his first birthday in June he had a little party and tasted chocolate for the first time. He is now walking and is still a live wire. Keeps Tanya very busy.
I am off to a crop on Sunday as Samuel Taylors not the Leeds Paper Dolls although some of them will be there, but it will be nice to meet new people.
I'm sure I have missed lots of things out but they can't have been that memorable if I can't remember them.
Hopefully my next post will be sooner rather than later.

2009-05-08T12:54:00.000-07:00

So we are well and truely back into the swing. Himself has bought a new car, a Chrysler Sebring it's very posh definately a luxury car.
I have made it to the gym just once!!
We are very busy so have been doing an extra hour every day. Have even worked a Saturday.
We went to see Mark and Jo in Cambridge over Bank holiday weekend. It was so nice to see them. We had a lovely weekend. I have never beento Cambridge before. It was very busy full of students and tourists.
We went for a Chinese meal on Saturday the bill came to over £130 bit expensive for a chinese we thought. We had a walk Sunday morning then had lunch at The Rupert Brook pub. Not the best meal but it was OK another expensive bill.
We drove home and then watched the rugby that we had recorded. Giants won didn't play great but the 2 points were ours.
This weekend is the wedding of my friend's daughter. It will be an exciting weekend, tonight they have like a hen night at their house , then tomorrow is a ceromony, all I know about that is that her uncles will give her some gold bracelets, (I'll update later)
The wedding is on Sunday. I have had an outfit made and I need to go and buy some shoes tomorrow. I have had a manicure and pedicure today and my toenails are a fantastic shade of turquoise! (picture to follow) I still need to alter my top slightly then I shall be all ready to go.
Himself is going to the next round of the Challenge cup it's against the Rochdale Hornets which should be a foregone conclusion but you never know.
Will be back with updates.

2nd Holiday!!

2009-04-19T12:56:00.000-07:00

We have been home from our 2nd holiday in Winter Park for nearly 2 weeks. We had a wonderful holiday.
We went to Denver Zoo and I took 180 photos. That's an awful lot to scrap!!
We also went to the Hot Sulphur Springs. Himself wasn't too keen but we changed into our cossies and even though it was below zero we ventured into the hot pools. As you can imagine the smell was a little pungent.(Rotten eggs). There was a sign on the wall that advised that jewellery could tarnish but we both left our wedding rings on as we don't take them off. By the time we decided to get out himself had a purple wedding ring and mine was deep red!! I thought we would have to have new rings or have them treated but luckily Joan had a special gold cloth and a bit of rubbing got them all clean and shiny again.
The snow was fantastic. We skied with Linda and Bill from Wisconson the first few days then Dirk and Els from Holland arrived on the Sunday and we skied most days with them.
We also skied with Joan and Rene and then on the Tuesday we had dinner at their house the poor dog was very confused as she seems to love us all and didn't know who to turn to first.
We did a bit of shopping but not much really. I had ordered 2 carts for my Cricut which were waiting for us and then got a few bits really. Himself bought a couple of tops from Nike but not much else.
Idid buy a watercolour from the gallery next door to the Hotel it is now waiting to be hung in our bedroom.
The day after we arrived we had an email advising our flights had been changed (again). We were so cross, what if we hadn't taken the laptop? Anyway we rang BMI and himself sorted it out we were on the same flight back from Denver to Heathrow but we had to wait at Heathrow for 5 hours!!! Good job we had access to the business lounge.
So we arrived home at 7.15pm on the Tuesday and back to work Wednesday morning. Good job it was Easter week and we had Good Friday and Easter Monday off.
We went to rugby Good Friday and beat Celtic Crusaders then to Hull KR on Monday and beat them quite convicingly. We then popped to Bridlington had some chips and an ice cream then drove home.
So we are back in the old routine again till next year.
I had a golf lesson on Wednesday last week and then played with himself on Thursday. I did the whole course in 128 so minus my 36 handicap 92 net. Not great but ok.
We played Leeds Rhinos last night and inspite of being favourites we lost, think we out too much pressure on ourselves. We are still 3rd in the table though.
Played 11 holes of golf today, it was a beautiful day and I quite enjoyed it although I had a few bad shots I did get 3 on the 4th.
So back to work tomorrow and the gym too.

Back to the Grind

2009-02-04T09:40:00.000-08:00

We had a fantastic holiday. Even though our skis didn't arrive until the day after we got there!

BA gave us a voucher to hire some and as the snow was a bit thin in places we used them all week and stored ours in the loft at the Gasthaus.

It was fantastic to see Joan and Rene and of course Dezeley the dog.

Himself celebrated his 40th birthday and I hope he enjoyed his day. I tried to make it special and Joan helped by providing party hats at breakfast and a banner too. He wore his I Am 40 Today badge all day and I think he was quite chuffed with all the birthday greeting he got from complete strangers. ( The girls especially!)
We had a lovely meal in the evening and he had a candle in his mousse cake and the staff sang Happy Birthday in Swiss to him.

We skied and shopped and had lots of fun. We went to a Jazz concert at a church in the next village it was a very modern church it had comfy seats.
It was sunny for the first week and then it started to snow 36 inches in 3 days.

The day we left we got safely down the mountain but once we hit the I70(motorway) we ground to a halt as the snow was very thick and the snow ploughs just couldn't keep up. Luckily the flight home wasn't till the evening so we had plenty of time.

We flew from Denver to Heathrow, Heathrow to Glasgow and then Glasgow to Manchester, unfortunately our bags didn't catch up with us until the following day, they were left in Glasgow as we didn't have a lot of time between flights.

Still the bags turned up with my scrapbooking goodies, big bite, card, embellies etc.

Look at me I'm 40 today!!

2 more night sleeps

2009-01-13T06:35:00.000-08:00

Well almost time to fly off to colder climes. It has been snowing steadily in Winter Park so can't wait.
Had some bad news today my brother is in hospital with a suspected heart attack, he's only 50!! I am praying it is a mild one that will give him a kick up the bum to change his life style, us too!!

I am busy packing and then am off to the hairdressers for a cut wash and blow dry. Then Pilates. Son the younger is ok with everything and had a nice weekend with his new friend. The other one is as giddy as me about their skiing holiday but he has to wait till we get back.

As for himself he is going to kill me tomorrow because I have told the girls he works with he is 40 on Saturday and they have had the usual collection and as tomorrow is our last day at work he will get a presentation!!

Right off to pack a few more socks and undies and sexy thermals!!

Lxx

The end and the beginning 2008/2009

2009-01-07T09:05:00.000-08:00

Well so much for keeping this up to date.
Nicholas and Danielle are over for good. We have been very sad and in tears, he always could make me cry but he will get over this.
He spent Christmas dinner with us and was very down but at least I knew he had been fed. Dad stayed until Saturday and he said he had enjoyed himself although Himself was a pain. He really dislikes Christmas "it's boring" ,Dad went for a drive on Boxing day and then after lunch(turkey stew/soup) himself and I went to browse the sales in town. Not all the shops were open but I got a cover for my DSlite and a new game for the Wii.
We went to football on the Sunday then back to work on Monday. It is so quiet but we found enough to do.New Years Eve I walked the dogs with Tanya and Fin. Tanya and Nigel had invited us to spend the evening with them. Yes you guessed Himself didn't want to go but he tagged along, we took the Wii and had a really enjoyable evening he was well and truely wooped by a 10 year old at boxing!!
So 2009 arrived NYD we stayed in and pottered. Back to work on Friday. Went to Morrisons after work, it was heaving, took 10 minutes to get out of the carpark.
Saturday we went to the Town game against Oldham 1 all draw so that was OK. Then we went to say goodbye to Val and Grant who are emigrating to Greece. Stopped for a couple of hours then picked a chinese up on the way home. Watched some TV, played with the Cricut and SCAL. The computer is poorly think no know I opened a virus so we are going to have to try and get it sorted. Himself spent 6 hours trying to get rid but it is very slow and keeps freezing.

Well the computer is terminal!! SO made a decision and used the recovery discs. Think I have lost some stuff, but so glad that I had downloaded the photos to the harddrive last week.

Went to Halifax to see the young guns play rugby against Halifax big boys, we lost 32-18 but they all aquitted themselves very well.
After work on Monday I nipped to Tesco and got some new PJs for my jollies and also a new anti virus disc. Took ages to download but fingers crossed it all seems ok now.
Have posted 1 CJ for Louise 2 to do.
Did 1 Monday and posted to Louise on Tuesday. Then did the 2nd one and posted to Louise today.
Only 2 to go now!!
Well a quick update on our Nicholas, he met a girl on New Years Eve. They seem to have clicked so he is going to see her this weekend , (she lives in Canterbury) which I can see as an advantage to start with but if it becomes serious who knows. So I am probably on dog duty over the weekend. I have told him it won;
Well this time next week we will be on our way to Winter Park, I am really looking forward to it just to spend time with himself away from home and of course skiing.
Will hopefully do a quick update before we go. Lxxx

Almost Christmas

2008-12-21T13:41:00.000-08:00

Gosh almost a month has passed. Don't lead a very exciting life so not much to post about!
Done all the usual things work, Pilates, finished my photography course and have to wait until March for the results.
Youngest has split up from his fiancee, all very sad but it's their lives and they are both grown up enough to make their own decisions. Still raw so nothing is really sorted yet.

I have had my hair coloured RED I love it and keep doing a double take in the mirror when I pass.

Went to works Christmas do on Friday at Elland Road. Himself wanted to get a t-shirt which has a picture of the scoreboard after Huddersfield beat Leeds but I value him too much so the answer was NO.

Dad is coming for Christmas so we need a major tidy up else he'll be sleeping on the sofa or in the car.
Saw eldest today with his lovely girlfriend. We had Sunday lunch at The Black Horse at Clifton. Very nice time, we exchanged parcels in the car park and they went to spend a night at Malmaison in Leeds.
SO the day is almost here, just need to buy a Turkey and a loaf of bread, Dad is getting the sprouts (ukk) he was going to get 3lb but there are only the 2 of them that eat them so I suggested 2lb would be more than enough.
Have 4 CJ's to complete so need to get a wriggle on.

Merry Christmas Lxx

Cold and Frosty

2008-11-30T12:14:00.001-08:00

DH Advent Calender ( I know he's a grownup but they are all boys at heart!!)

Well another week has gone by. Do they go faster the older you get?

Went to Pilates on Tuesday and then to watch Huddersfield Town play Leyton Orient. Guess what? Huddersfield came second.

Wednesday after work I met Tanya and we walked the dogs. Just round the pavements as it is too slippy underfoot for me anywhere else. Whilst we were out Karen rang me on my mobile to tell me about the restructure at work. Big changes new team leaders Donna and Diane. No idea whose team I will be in. Will just have to suck it and see.

Not much happened on Thursday although I am searching through my photographs to find good ones for my final assignment for the OU course.

Friday I found out I am on Donna's team and of course we are all moving desks again.

Went to the hairdressers and had my roots done and a good cut.
Saturday went to extra crop with Leeds Paper Dolls did lots of stamping and colouring.
Today we have been to Fountains Abbey I felt I needed to take some more pictures.
It was very cold and frosty but the sun was shining so it was a lovely day. We went to see Dad for a cuppa and take him his Bushmills Whiskey it was nice to see him and he seemed glad to see us even if he had to miss his afternoon nap!!
Decided to have a Chinese for tea which was very nice.
Well tomorrow is 1st December so need to get DH advent calender out.

It's been a while!!

2008-11-24T13:21:00.000-08:00

Well so much for keeping this up to date. Life goes on from day to day and nothing exciting really happens.

I am 2 weeks from the end of the OU course. I have done an assessment and got 73% which I was very pleased with. The final part involves a slide show and answering a few questions about my photographs. Some things I have struggled with but I have learnt a lot and really hope that I can improve further once the course is finished.

I celebrated my 53rd birthday last week. Himself and I had a day off and went to York. We wandered round the shops and bought ourselves a Christmas present. A Nintendo Wii. Really would like a Wii Fit too but they are like hen's teeth so will have to wait. We have had fun so far, I usually let himself win (lol) It is challenging and means I am not sat on my bum all evening.

We also celebrated our 3rd Wedding Anniversary, Himself bought me Dawn French's book Dear Fatty which I am looking forward to reading.

I have managed to continue the Pilates I must be doing it right because I have had aching muscles. My knee is doing Ok. Although I hate the exercising that I should do every day to strengthen it and my thigh muscles. Viscious circle really because if my muscles are not exercised I won't be fit enough to ski in January.
I have got the orthotics in my shoes and have been suffering with a few aches but think once my body realigns itself I will be fine.
I have also been to a Leeds Paper Dolls crop, didn't do an awful lot, couple of CJ entries then cuddled Chloe.
Some friends Caroline and Rob have had a little girl, another Chloe. She really is little, 5lb4oz absolutely perfect, I saw her last week and had a cuddle. Lexie their black Labrador is really funny quite jealous!!

There have been some changes at work, all the B2's have gone to a new section, work is slowing down and it is a struggle for the team to get some of the jobs evenly distributed with the split of experience and authorities that we have.

My friend Susy is getting by. Her and the children are surrounded by love and God willing they will get through this. She is organising a year of fund raising in Stewarts name in my wisdom I have agreed to do one of the events, will be a walk though not a run. Don't do running never had never will!!!
Christmas is fast approaching and as I live with Scrooge will be a quiet affair as usual I guess. Dad will be spending part of it with us. No idea about anything else but I expect we will get through like we normally do.
Well enough ramblings I will try to keep this more up to date in future. Lx

Friday again

2008-10-17T12:14:00.000-07:00

My word the weeks fly by. I have been very tired all week think it was all that driving at the weekend.

Went to Pilates on Tuesday, which I enjoyed.
I have been trying to catch up on the OU course I am doing. I started a week late and am playing catchup. All being well I can have a good crack at it this weekend. Himself is playing golf tomorrow and then going to watch Town play football.
Went to the Doctors on Thursday as I am almost at the end of the HRT. Am going to try and manage with the magnet therapy and see how I get on.

Had my appraisal at work today and got a B for September so a B for the third quarter. I'm too gobby to ever get an A so I am quite happy with a B.

Tomorrow I must also do 2 CJ's especially as 1 needs to be posted on Monday.
Be back sometime over the weekend. Lx

RIP Stewart

2008-10-13T12:55:00.000-07:00

Well the title says it all sadly Stewart lost his fight for life on Saturday at 12.30pm. He died in Susy's arms. RIP Stewart. Also in my thoughts are my friends Hazel and Kevin who have buried Kevin's Dad today.
On a lighter note the weekend was a great success. I left work at 12.00pm on Friday and arrived at the house in Lyndhurst about 5ish. I had had a little pit stop so 4 and a half hours door to door isn't bad.
The Luverlies are just that. We have had such fun.

Yesterday was Christmas so I bought myself a little present. (largish price tag) a lock for my troll bead bracelet.
We have laughed a lot, eaten loads and even done a bit of scrapping.
I actually did 18 LO's 16 small ones some of which require journalling and 2 large ones using the mystery page kit.

I left the house at 10am this morning and arrived home at
2.45pm. Silly Sat Nav froze but I managed to find my way home. I have caught up on my emails and UKS.
Think I will get an early night as back to work tomorrow.
Lx

2008-10-09T14:52:00.000-07:00

Well almost at the end of another week.

We have lost all our Northern Ireland photos. We will never be able to recreate them so may have to go back to take some more. I am so upset so is himself but we will draw a line under it as there are a lot more important things in life. My dear friend Susy who's husband is suffering from cancer has posted that there is nothing that can be done so they will spend what little time they have left together. I pray that the end is a peaceful and pain free as possible for Stewart. I have only met him twice but Susy adores him and he her so this is going to be the worst time for them. They are in my thoughts.

On a lighter note I am all packed for the weekend retreat. I will write about it when I return on Monday. Lx

Getting Brain in Gear

2008-10-07T14:19:00.000-07:00

Well I bit the bullet a couple of weeks ago and registered to do an online digital photography course. The discs arrive today. I'm a week behind already (start date was 1st October) so I have been trying to make a start. Will certainly need my wits about me. I am hoping to do a lot of it in the afternoons, better than watching afternoon movies.

I've mentioned by "magnet" previously but himself has just said "do you realise you can collect money on it". Just to show me he started to through pennies at me, I have a new nickname Mrs Moneyfanny. He's such a card.

Went to Pilates earlier and worked really hard my legs are beginning to seize up so heaven help me tomorrow.

I am sorry that I will miss the LPD crop on Saturday but all being well I will be at the November one and of course the long Christmas crop in December.
Need to sleep now as I am flagging rapidly. Lx

Monday Blues

2008-10-06T12:14:00.001-07:00

Weekend was ok. Mooched round town Saturday morning whilst himself played golf. Tried on a cardigan in M & S that I had seen a couple of weeks ago. Did absolutely nothing for me. Went onto TKMaxx a shop I don't really like it always seems like a glorified jumble sale to me. Anyway to my surprise I found a nice brown cardigan very long at the front and short at the back. The ticket price said RRP £209. Yeh right! as it was last years model it was only £29.99. I also found a blue and brown t-shirt top thingy which will look nice underneath so I bought that too.
We went to watch Town play Leicester (football) it was cold. Both of us wore our ski jackets it's only October for heavens sake. Town lost 2-3 not a great game.
Had Pizza for tea watched a stupid film then off to bed.
Sunday wasa lazy day really, went to the tip visited PIL then vegged for rest of day. Have also been invited to take a spare place on the Lurve thread retreat to Hampshire. Really excited. Risotto for tea then watched new series of House and Law & Order SVU. I did doze during 2nd SVU may need to catch up on NBC website.

Monday morning, everyone was a bit fed up, my good friend Jane is back from sick. Bless her she spent all morning reading emails.
I had to do the figures as Clare took Cole to school. I have also been asked to do a report and I also ended up getting involved in a query from before I went into hospital. I spent almost 2 hours trying to sort it out and I hope I am now on the way to a resolution.
Went to Karen for a bit of defuzzing via Asda needed some salt. Spent £38 bought a couple of tops some new pj's some sweets for the car on the drive down on Friday oh yes and 73p for some salt!!
Got home and began to make lists for Friday. Mostly in my head may need to right them down.
Well another 3 days goes by so quickly. Lx

TGIF

2008-10-03T13:18:00.000-07:00

Yipee Friday is here again.

Managed a week at work, decided I am not going to get stressed and I can only do what I can do.

I was told last time I visited the Doctor to refill my prescription that she will not let me have any more HRT so in 3 weeks I am left to my own devices. So I did a bit of research and decided to try a Ladycare. It is a magnet that uses the negative pole against the body. It is meant to alleviate a lot of menopause symptoms. All I can do is give it a whirl.

BUT I am having to be careful near metal objects. If I lean against the cabinets at work I fine myself connected to them and also I ended up walking round with my small calculator hanging from my tummy!!!! I will need to steer clear of the paperclips or I could end up with a fringe of them hanging down. We have spent a lot of time giggling at work over that I can tell you.

Not much happening out of the ordinary, did a supermarket shop and popped into Lidl to get some vitamin tablets and met Gail. Haven't seen her for ages. She has had a hernia op but is getting on very well. She told me Jane has had a rough time and that Scott has been hospitalised after a bout of food poisoning. Must ring her.

Made a good luck card for Vickie at work and also the CJ for the Lucky dip CJ, just need to do entry now. Also want to try and get an invitation finished to take to Baldeep. I am not very confident with the Craft Robo and am nervous about using it on my own, but I must get a wriggle on. Evenings are drawing in and we seem to eat tea and veg out in front of the TV most evenings.

Well weekend's here so lets hope it's a good one even though the weather forecast is cold wet and windy. We shall see. Lx

Dark Mornings Already

2008-09-30T14:04:00.000-07:00

Oh my it was dark this morning. Also raining and cold. Work was as exciting as usual. Went to the Physio straight from work. Ate my chicken sandwich in the car park then got soaking wet feet ( I was wearing flip flops) going into the sports centre.

Nothing physical today just did the Gait Test to see how I walk. Not very well so I am having some orthotics made to try and rectify some of the problems. They take about 3 weeks and as Garry will be away he will call me when they arrive. Think that sounds like no more high heels for me!!

Went to Pilates with Tanya. Seemed to be more people there and was a good laugh. Think I will ache tomorrow. Himself went to Ikea to buy the desk top we need. After dinner he sorted it out and I can't believe we are almost there.

I have a CJ to make and also must get sorted with the wedding invites for Baldeep. Who coincidentley rang tonight to see how I was doing .

Himself is watching Prison Break so I will have an early night Lx

Back to the Grindstone

2008-09-29T12:39:00.000-07:00

Up for work at silly o'clock. Started at 7.00. System was rubbish as I now have to "hot desk" for a few weeks. Took 2 calls to IT in Budapest (what is that all about?) kept my head down as much as possible as I would like to have some stats for this month but as I have to do the early morning figures for Clare not sure I will. So I will be penalised when it comes round to quarterly bonus. Not exactly my fault I had to have my knee done but that's life.
Himself a bit hacked off that he has lost his shares in B & B ( they didn't cost him anything but that's not the point).
Worked just 5 hours and then came home. Much chillier today than yesterday. Was so cold when I got in I wrapped myself up in a baggy cardi and put some socks on. Finished off CJ paid a few bills and that was the afternoon done. Rang Dad he's fine enjoyed his lunch with Mark and Jo. They arrived home safely too.
Cooked roast chicken and roast potatoes for tea. Remembered why we don't have roasts too often too much mess in the kitchen. Himself is washing up as we speak. Early night tonight as I didn't sleep too well last night. Lx

Dublin

2008-09-28T13:41:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday we caught the bus into Dublin. Did all the touristy places, Trinity College was interesting and the guy who did the tour was a graduate there in History and Theology, very informative certainly knew his stuff. Bit disappointed by The Book of Kells thought it would be more stunning really.

Walked around looking at the various buildings etc as the guide book suggested. Ended up at The Hard Rock Cafe for tea. Had my usual starter (heavy metal chicken tenders) and also a large margarita which was fab.
The following day we went to Croke Park which is on a par with Neu Camp in Barcelona. Only 6 of us on the tour but John the guide make it very entertaining. Caught a bus back to the centre of City. Had lunch in an Italian restauarant and then walked to the Guiness Storehouse. It felt like miles, tour was not great but we had our pint at the top. Bought a couple of bits in the shop and then walked back into town. It was an awful long way. Caught the train back to Saltmills and Monkstown. Had tea in Siam Thai restaurant. Very nice walked very slowly back to B & B. I have a huge blister on the bottom of my little toe and my legs ached so much. Slept well and the next day went to Malahide Castle then Howth which has the most disgusting public toilets I have ever been in. We had fish and chips for lunch a quick wander round the extremely expensive golf shop then drove up and down the coast. We were both so tired that we decided to go back to B & b for a rest before tea. Some how managed to find TGIF's (Italian upstairs). Went back to Italian about 8.00pm. Had a lovely meal. Back to B&B and off to bed. Read for ages.
After breakfast and the most haphazard packing you have ever seen went into Dun Laoghaire for a little wander before catching the ferry. Bought a couple of bits in a craft shop. Set off for the ferry. Very busy but when we got on the ship(Sea Cat) managed to get a couple of seats by a window. Uneventful journey, himself watchedTransformers on his Ipod and I read and listened to my Ipod. Arrived back in Wales at 1.45pm. Drove home had an improptu stop as I managed to get the cradle for the SatNav stuck down the back of the glovebox. No idea how but it took himself about 10 miutes to free it. Oops. Arrived home at 5. Read mail spent 2 hours deleting emails, had curry for tea watched a little TV then off for a good nights sleep in our own bed.
Today has been pretty uneventful: trip to Sainsburys, Mark and Jo popped round for a cuppa. Himself went to play a few holes of golf as the weather was still nice. Watched Charley Boorman and there we are time for bed again. Work tomorrow woopee doo!!! Lx

Home again Home again

2008-09-27T13:57:00.000-07:00

Well we have had a fantastic weeks holiday in Ireland.
We went to Northern Ireland for 2 days then to a place called Blackrock just south of Dublin.
We arrived in Larne last Sunday morning at 9.15am. The weather was lovely. We drove up the coast road stopping to look at the view every so often. We stopped at a little village called Cushenden. As we had been up early we also had a late breakfast. I had a soda roll with bacon and egg. Himself had a full fry up.
We tootled up the coast road and stopped at a place called Carrick a Rede. There is a rope bridge and you can pay for the privilege of walking across it. (It is National Trust so we didn't have to pay!) Quite a long walk which was very pretty. The queue for the bridge was ok and we didn't have to wait too long. It was the scariest thing I have done in a long time, himself wasn't too impressed either. It was only a short bridge but it swayed like nothing on earth and there is always some numpty that thinks it's fun to swing it. We were both very pleased to get back onto solid ground.
We got back into the car and then drove a bit further, stopping at a place called Ballycastle. Took a few pictures then carried on to Portrush. Had to drive round a couple of times before we found the hotel. Parked up in the next street and carried the bags down a little side street to hotel. Up what seemed like 6 flights of stairs to a nice room with a sea view. Well if you ignored the grotty shops opposite the view was nice.
That evening we had dinner at a local restaurant. Not cheap but nice.
The following day we went to the Giants Causeway. From the coastal path it didn't look impressive but when we got down to it we loved it. The sea crashing against the rocks was mesmerising.
Off to Bushmills Distillery for lunch then a tour round. Even managedto drink the "free sample". Bought Dad a bottle of 12 year old whiskey that can only be bought from there. Hope he enjoys it.
Went to a beach called Port Strand cost £4.50 to park on the beach thank goodness for the National Trust membership. I paddled in the sea bit chilly and I got my bum wet!!
Later that evening we had dinner in the Ramada hotel.
Next morning we set off for Dublin. Found the B & B. Room ok bit of a funny shape but it'll do. Went for a walk to acclimatise ourselves. Had a drink in the pub called Bakers Corner, ok for tea so decided to go back later. Nice meal when we went back. Will continue the holiday tomorrow as I am tired and need my own bed. Lx

Friday

2008-09-19T12:07:00.001-07:00

Not sure what happened to yesterday!!

Work was as exciting as usual (not). What with meetings and other non BAU (business as usual proper work) didn't do enough work to count towards any stats.
My friend Jane popped in to reacquaint herself with the office she has been off sick following an operation about 12 weeks or so ago. she is on the mend and hopes to be back early October. Good job too as I have missed her.
We popped across to White Rose as I needed a birthday present. Spent an hour together then went our separate ways.
Attempted to make Toad in the Hole for tea, OK but needs more practise I'll get it right one day.
Watched the opening ceremony for the Ryder Cup then missed the WAGS only wanted to see how they were dressed!! To be honest I fell asleep and dozed on and off. Finished my book when I went to bed. Only 2 night sleeps!!

Today was another washout where work was concerned, I did the early morning queue count for Claire as she had to take her little lad to school. Did a couple of little jobs for Karen then the system crashed I was locked out for over an hour. Good job we weren't that busy.
Got home watched the golf, took stamps and Bev's birthday present to golf club. Chose meal for Ladies annual dinner. We had pizza for tea it was lovely and watch more golf.
Need to pack now for tomorrow.
Night. Lx

Wednesday

2008-09-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

Halfway through the week already. Did a full day well 5 1/2 hours. Had 2 monthly reviews in one. Not bad got B for both so that's ok.
Babysat for Tanya this afternoon for a couple of hours. Little one was very good and it was nice to have 2 dogs to fuss too.
Have taken the plunge and registered to do an online Open University course in Digital Photography. For some reason I couldn't register online so I hope I will be accepted. I have completed the form manually so will send it tomorrow first class.

I am more than a little hacked off with the post, I ordered a new camera bag on Sunday and my usual monthly craft kit on Monday, I have had confirmation that both have been despatched first class but neither have arrived yet.
Will see if they arrive tomorrow.
Still thinking about Susy and Stewart and the children, praying for a miracle. Susy hasn't posted on her blog today but on facebook she has said that Stew had a better night as his pain was better but the scan results were not good.
2 days until we go away to Ireland, booked the Guiness Tour tickets last night.
Need to get organised!! Oh well tomorrow is another day. Lx

Tuesday

2008-09-16T13:00:00.000-07:00

This is a spider which has attached itself to our dustbin.(Good job it's green bin week this week.)

Made it to work today although tummy still a bit dodgy.
I had ploughed my way through the boring emails. Chatted to friends. Looked for my personal belongings which appear to have disappeared only hope they are in a safe place. Went to the start of the daily buzz meeting by which time it was 10.00am time to leave to go to see the consultant about my knee. Had a dodgy moment on the way but luckily was near to Samuel Taylor's (where LPD crop is held) so nipped in there.
Met himself in the car park of the hospital. Saw the consultant for about 5 minutes, wonder how much that will cost? He has said that the piece that he removed was bone and had probably come off the outer edge of the thigh bone. He advised to make an appointment for 2 months. If it still is giving me pain then he will possibly advise that I have the MRI scan to make sure there is nothing worse in the middle of the bone.
Went to Physio. Garry massaged ???? my knee then put the Magnopulse on it. I then did 10 minutes on the bike not quite up to speed but getting there.
Still felt a bit off it so on the way home stopped at the Co-op to get a bag of salt and vinegar crisps and a bottle of diet coke. ( my upset tummy/hangover cure).
Relaxed for the rest of the afternoon. Chatted to Tanya, she's not too good today so is off to the Doc's hope she is ok.
Made proper mash for tea it does taste better. Just a cottage pie and carrots but I quite enjoyed it.
Himself put the desk into the office which is just right so when I can get mine in I think it will be very nice.
Rang USA to try and sort out the account I had to open when I was with GHL. I have decided to close it. Why can't call centres in this country be as helpful? Pat was great and explained everything in detail and I could understand her too!!
Himself wants to watch Prison Break so that's another day in my life over and done with. Lx

Monday

2008-09-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

Mark and Emma on their wedding day Saturday 13th September.

Well yesterday we went to Ikea for breakfast. Wow how exciting is my life? Spent an hour trying to decide which desk options would fit in the office/craft room. Got all the bits we needed except 1 desk top yep you've guessed it mine!!! Another 11 days before they will have anymore in stock. Good job we are off on holiday next week. Arrived home in time for himself to watch the GrandPrix. We were both hungry so got tea ready early. I was testing the sauce which was very hot and slurped a bit unladylike I know but I also shot a tiny piece of hot onion straight down my throat. I am now the owner of a blister at the back of my throat.
Tea was a bit spicy but nice however I ended up with pains in my tummy which lasted all night. I watched Charely Boorman then went to bed at 9.30pm. Had a restless night and as my sick note covered me for today decided I would stay in bed. Paid several trips to the loo but thought I was going to feel better. Still feel a bit off. Eventually had a call from Team leader at work great when I am planning on returning tomorrow.
Had a bit of boiled rice and grilled chicken for tea, not exactly Cordon Bleu!!
Went to bed early in preperation for work again tomorrow. Lx

Saturday

2008-09-14T11:43:00.000-07:00

Well in spite of all good intentions I didn't manage to write anything yesterday.

Had my hair coloured and cut which seemed to take ages got home got changed and set off for Horbury to try and find the church where Mark and Emma were getting married. Arrived at about 12.45pm more luck than judgement. Lovely wedding, saw Alison, Richard and their little girl which was a nice surprise. Managed to take a few pictures. How lucky they were with the weather especially considering the sort of summer we have had.
Drove to Leeds and nipped into Leeds Paper Dolls crop at Samuel Taylor. Chatted and ate tiny cakes (lunch) ended stopping a couple of hours. Drove home listened to end of Town game. They lost yet again.
As we had decided not to go to the wedding reception we went to Beverley's party at the golf club. Food was delicious so many kinds of cheese. We chatted to a couple of their friends and arrived home about 10.15pm.
Felt a bit rough but that could have been a mixture of too much cheese and 2 glasses of red wine.
Managed to read a bit in bed, my knee is quite sore there is a lot of pressure on it when I am driving so think as long as I can drive straight to work on Monday I should be fine.
Lx

Friday

2008-09-12T14:52:00.001-07:00

Well end of week is here at last. Woke up before 6am couldn't go back to sleep so decided to get up rather than disturb himself. Browsed the internet and UKS. Himself got up and went to work I pottered about did some washing which I hung out for all of 30 minutes. So that went into the dryer.
Karen arrived with her youngest and we caught up haven't seen each other for a few weeks. Her little one is such a sweetheart no trouble at all. We had lunch and then Karen set to sorting her Craft Robo out. I played ball with little one.
Karen sorted out the drivers etc and we started to cut out the required shapes. Karen left about 2.20pm to collect her eldest who has just started school. And yes it was still raining!! Always rains at 3.00pm.
I set off for Mirfield to the Beauticians. Had a run in with a 4x4 who cut me off, I only tooted my horn at him but he took offence and started to be stoopid. He stopped so I went round him he then "chased me up the road" as I indicated to turn right he tooted his horn and tried to cut me off. I managed to drive round him whilst mouthing obscenities at him. He must have been about 70. Silly old bugga. Was suitably defuzzed and nipped for a cuppa with my dear friend Mandy. We caught up then I drove sedately home, fish and chips for tea, a little tv watched the rugby on and off Bradford lost to Wigan so their season is over too. Made a wedding card for my friends Emma and Mark who get married tomorrow.
Think we may have a break through in the organisation of the office craft room Ikea looks as though we may be able to have a compromise will see if maybe we can get to Ikea over the weekend.
All day Susy and Stewart ( and the children) have been in my thoughts I am praying very hard for a miracle.
Himself is playing golf even earlier than usual in the morning 7.10am, funny how he can get up early to play golf but it takes him an hour during the week!! Bless him!!!!
Have decided not to go to Mark and Emma's wedding reception as it is a long way and I can't drive that far. My knee is sore from going to Mirfield and back. I will be at the service in the church so I can see them get married.
Goodnight sleep tight. Lx

2008-09-11T23:35:00.000-07:00

Well here are 3 (not very good) shots of the new handbag.
Still trying to get to grips with
this blogger thing so apologies
if appears very amateurish.
Up early this morning can't sleep.
My close friend Susy had some devastating news
yesterday her beloved husband has cancer again
he will have to have radiotherapy
and possibly chemo too.
I prayed for them last night which for me is a rare thing these days. I hope that a miracle happens.
Will be back later. Lx

Thursday

2008-09-11T13:53:00.001-07:00

Woke up to a cup of tea. Himself is a star when he wants to be.
The ParcelForce van arrived with my new handbag. What a fantastic concept it is called a MicheBag. Basically it is a black silk handbag that has hidden magnets so you can change the shell. I got 3 shells a black one a red one and a ginger ( beige sort of colour). There are also long handles included too , therefore you could look at as being 6 handbags!!!
Decided not to scrap but to go and do the supermarket shop as my friend Karen is popping over tomorrow to help me sort her Craft Robo out so I can make the sample of the wedding invitation that I am doing for a work collegue's daughter. Good job the wedding isn't till next May.

Shopping was quite tough on my knee so it is sore now, will try and get a lie in tomorrow and see how it goes.
Well another boring day in the life of Mr and Mrs Hedgehog!!
Will try and post pictures of my cool new bag(s).

2008-09-10T13:14:00.001-07:00

Almost had a lie in this morning. Yipee the gardeners have gone. Woke up about 8.45am. Himself had gone to work and my tea was lukewarm but it's the thought that counts. I was a lazy cow this morning and stayed in bed reading until 11.00am.
Rang the camera shop and thank goodness my camera is back from being repaired. (Only had it 9 months and the command knob had broken off). Went into town collected my camera then nipped to Tescos to get some bread for lunch.
As I arrived home Bev the chiropodist pulled up about 15 minutes early so lunch was put on hold till she had gone. Had a little reflexology not much as it is not always good after surgery.
Really should have done some scrapping today or at least made a wedding card!
Watched Poseiden the newest version with Kurt Russell still prefer the old version.

Still doing the exercises. Really must scrap tomorrow.

2008-09-09T12:43:00.000-07:00

Well was rudely awoken by next door but one's landscape gardeners cutting bricks. This has been going on for almost 4 weeks (most of the time I have been off). I am sick to death of it. They also keep parking their cars outside our house. I know it is the public highway but it is an inconvenience to the rest of the road. They also park half on the pavement which really gets to me. Not only does it break up the pavement but it also blocks it forcing anyone with a pram or pushchair to sometimes have to go into the road to get by.
Weather today has been much the same as most of the "summer" WET.
Went to physio after lunch. Funnily enough there was a young man there and I thought I know you (like you do) realised he is my eldest son's mate. So at least I couldn't show myself up too much when Garry was massaging my knee. I also did 10 minutes on the bike then as the afternoon's entertainment I used the wobble board, I was a bit rubbish on that. Another appointment next week but Garry is pleased with my progress and says I am where I should be after the arthroscopy.
Drove home and rang Tanya to confirm I could go to Pilates. first time for everything, not sure I was doing it all right wasn't sure what it meant about my pelvis being in neutral!! Will ask before I go again next week.
Himself decided to cut off some of the lower branches from the Silver birch trees in the garden whilst dinner was cooking. We vegged most of the evening with the TV and the laptops on. Had an interesting x rated conversation on MSN with some of my friends from Leeds Paper Dolls scrapping group.
Think I am going to ache tomorrow. Lx

First post 8th September 2008

2008-09-08T14:51:00.000-07:00

Well here we go. I have decided to join in with the rest of the world.
I am presently recovering from knee surgery. Nothing drastic a simple arthroscopy. I had some pain in my knee from a simple slip up when walking my friend's dogs. I had to have a piece of cartilage the size of 5p removed from my knee.

I am on the way to recovery but as my youngest said I am not an athlete and at my age it may take a little longer than the rugby players. I will post more tomorrow.