The great big Noble fun bus

2008-07-02T18:26:00.001Z

2008-07-01T19:41:00.005Z

We have been making the most of having a garden and green house this year. A raised bed was constructed out the doors of an old wardrobe and we have a selection of things growing in it. Tonight we had some lovely pork chops accompanied by some home grown courgettes (see below) and home grown spinach, both grown in the raised bed. The greenhouse is turning into a jungle of tomato plants, can't wait for the harvest, homegrown tomatoes taste and smell much better than supermarkets ones.

The pictures of the raised bed and green house were taken before our holiday. A couple of weeks later and lots of sun and rain have made the garden even more green and lush.

2008-06-16T19:35:00.004Z

making things!

Having not blogged much recently i am not sure if i can even remember the exciting things that have been going on (cant be that exciting then i guess). But i have been doing a bit on the creative side. These are a couple of pictures of the things i have been most excited by.

This is the shawl i am knitting for my mams 60th birthday next june. Its my first attempt at lace knitting and i am loving it. Miss F though utterly lovely has not been the easiest of babies. Especially in the evening (oh and the days and nights) So there is little time to knit (knitting comes before blogging, hence no blogging) I am also fairly pleased with the results. I just love knitting, i think it keeps me sane sometimes. Does drive Brian a bit insane he does triy to be understanding but i dont think he gets it.

Now this amazing contraption is called a mai tai a baby carrier blah blah blah. But this one is different. This one was made by Bea my amazing creative friend and mother of two lovely boys. I was in distress that florence who was always in need of carrying, was to heavy and big to carry on the front. That she was too young for a traditional back carrier and that i did not have the possibility of sitting and holding her as she wished with two other rampant toddlers to manage. So she made me this cost £6 in fabric much more expensive when bought and helps me put. Has totally revolutionized life. I wont bore you with the details but aint it great!

2008-06-16T18:35:00.003Z

Some photos

Brians birthday

A BBQ

The girls

2008-06-07T21:56:00.002Z

Internet - we have it

After over two months in our new house we finally have our own internet connection. Why it should take that long to transfer a broadband connection 8 doors down the hill I do not know. For those of you who sometimes speak to us on Skype or MSN Messenger, please give us a call, we'd love to hear from you.

2008-04-27T19:17:00.002Z

REVOLUTION

well so much has happened, and suddenly everything is different. We moved house 4 weeks ago. Or rather entered into a bizarre but wonderful house swap with my mother. With approximately one weeks notice an miss F less than three months old we packed up and moved 8 doors down the hill. I have never seen Brian look as tired as he did that week. But it was worth it we now have a garden which the girls and i make great use (I am currently digging up the awn to make way for vegetables having been persuaded that i should not keep chickens just yet). And a bit more space inside which makes every daily activity so much easier, there is now space for 2 adults in the bathroom at bath time hooray. Will try and take more photos now things have calmed down as not feeling very wordy at present.

2008-03-22T23:18:00.004Z

Finnished!!!!

whey hey, I started this jumper for a boy who is now about 9 years old! not knitting all that time, mainly it has sat at the bottom of a bag forgotten awaiting the last arm being sewn up. But now it is all finished. And in time for Florence to wear it.

We took the girls to see the English National Ballet today. They were performing Angelina Ballerina who is a very much loved character in our house full of girls. It was wonderful, they loved it so much and were completely captivated for the whole thing. watch a clip of it here. Just a pity that florence managed to provide an explosion that not only soaked through her clothes but mine as well in a big soggy yellow mess that i didn't discover until the lights went up at the end.

Looking forward to easter tomorrow the girls made amazing hot cross buns today which made a lovely post ballet treat. hopefully the snow sill stay and we can do a spot of seasonalEaster sledging.

2008-03-18T13:28:00.004Z

Just because they are beautiful

2008-03-18T12:48:00.004Z

Some important updates

Florence Renee Ann Noble (FRAN)

Life in the fun bus has completely changed since last post. Things are now even more crazy! we are please to announce there is now another traveler on this crazy ride she comes in the for of our lovely Florence. Born 6th January and now 2 months old she is learning to deal with the rest of the family in her own special way. Its not a great photo of her as most of them are stuck on our old computer but there will be more. And she is beautiful. The sisters did not take to her immediately however i feel hopeful that they are getting more used to her and things do seem slightly improved. Ruby at least now thinks she is the mummy to her even if Coralie still thinks of her as arch enemy.

Knitting, is taking over my like a bit (in a good way). Our little knit club has moved to an exclusive location in a chocolate shop on Eccelsall road can you imagine once a week i get to go out without any children (thank you brian) to sip chocolate and knit with lovely people. amazing, you can expect further updated on various projects as i develop my skills.

The moon, our new favorite place to play. Will post photos of that soon.

2008-03-18T12:41:00.005Z

BOO

I am back

Blogging absence has been due to a lengthy gloomy period. Anyway will now attempt to say pah to all that and continue.

(the picture is me in my latest knitted creation a present for my brother harry please someone dont tell him we are back before his birthday or it will give the game away. It also becomes a hat so he dosent have to be scary all the time).

2007-10-06T19:17:00.000Z

Rampage

Since taking the house off the market a certain air of urgent sorting out has taken over this household (perhaps its early nesting or just plain venting of frustrations). Each weekend sees the attempted taming of another problem area. Today was the turn of the wild and jungle like pantry. We have done our best (you can now walk into it) and some interesting finds were made.

notably...

1kg dried cannellini beans (interesting cannellini bean recipes eagerly desired)

Brown long grain rice
Italian rice
pudding rice
sushi rice
Thai jasmine rice
express rice
large sack of basmalti rice
risotto rice

Now, I challenge you to go through your cupboards and see how many types of rice you can come up with. Now by the way i can say that with the exception of the express rice and the sushi rice we use all of these on a reasonably regular basis but it is any wonder we find it hard to keep on top of the storage, and that is before we get to the 6 flours and 7 types of dried pulses!! Yikes I am sure life should be simpler. The pantry will be an ongoing nightmare i can tell. Next week is the turn of 'the shelf' and 'the loft' that should be fun.

2007-10-03T08:25:00.000Z

Milestone

Well its a bit mundane, but Ruby spent her first nappy free night last night and it was completely sucessfull. No little accidents. very proud of her.

2007-09-30T19:58:00.000Z

well there is not much to say but

We are not moving, house is off the market and that is that. The results of this sudden change in things have been many and various but the less said about them the better. Only now I am on the Rampage. 91 bole hill lane is experiencing the mother of all sort outs, nothing is safe, not even my beloved garden plants!

Seen as I'm not feeling chatty at present I thought we could leave you with a festival of photos, we haven't had many recently. All taken on our recent weekend away down at home for my brothers 21st birthday, fancy that little Jack is 21! Oh heck I'm nearly 30, better get a move on and do something eh.

the girls by the way are still great. Have to choose Ruby's Schools by January! doesn't time fly.

2007-09-18T18:49:00.000Z

Dishcloth cotton!!

I am dishcloth cotton and Brian is Shetland wool. Humph.

You are Dishcloth Cotton.
You are a very hard worker, most at home when you're at home. You are thrifty and seemingly born to clean. You are considered to be a Plain Jane, but you are too practical to notice.

You are Shetland Wool.
You are a traditional sort who can sometimes be a little on the harsh side. Though you look delicate you are tough as nails and prone to intricacies. Despite your acerbic ways you are widely respected and even revered.

so what are you?

2007-09-12T20:32:00.000Z

Arrrrgh

My brain is going to explode.... How do you decide where you want to live. I see all these houses and they all spin round in my head till they get all mixed up. At least I know I am looking for a garden with a house not a house with a garden, ie the house is what I am more prepared to compromise on than the garden. But then it gets tough, location? State of house? what we want I just don't know. I see houses that are in need of a lot of TLC or something significant doing and they really get me going and my creative juices bubbling but then every one says no you are in no position to be doing that, and they are right, but they are the ones that get me going. Who wants to move into someone Else's palace. Not me. It is so frustrating.

Loads of people coming to see ours, wish someone would make an offer though keeping the place tidy is slightly challenging with two little whirlwinds, but they are very good.

Ruby has started pre School. She is so chuffed with herself and I am so chuffed with her. But I don't like feeling cut off from what is going on for those two and a half hours. As I walked up to pick her up today they were all singing 'eye eye yippee' inside the room. I new instantly who would have picked that song!

2007-08-29T18:35:00.000Z

a bit unsettling

Well the house has been on the market for a few days now. We moved loads of our stuff out into mams loft at the weekend, nice cos its all a pain to have around but a bit odd because we were getting our house ready for other people. But the really odd bit was when a i turned around today to find a man with a mallet in mid swing staring into my front room, it was the guy putting a for sale sign up in the garden. I kind of feel like we are camping in our own house now. Every thing has to be prepared for how we think other people would like to see it. I haven't managed to generate a great deal of excitement yet, I am worried that we wont find anywhere we want to live and end up homeless. I love the position of where we live just could do with a tad more space. Hoping to be out by Christmas before the fifth member of the family comes along. Have a look at our house it looks a lot more posh than it does in real life. If you know anyone who may like to buy it pass on the details.

anyway I think I will potter off and do some more knitting, now that is something I can get really can excited about. Where are my priorities!!!

2007-08-22T15:26:00.000Z

OH NO

So apparently we are not already overtaken by slugs (we are in our garden). It is going to get worse! Apparently it is likely the current infestation could turn into a plague. Well seen as I cant seem to harvest vegetables form my garden as a result of slugs maybe I should harvest the slugs instead and find some delicious recipes.

House went on goes on the market next week. We have signed the stuff and that is that.

2007-08-20T20:06:00.000Z

Girls are great

Well I am really excited we've just booked the girls their first ever theatre experience. It not until February but I know they will love it. They are off to see Lazy Town live which in in Sheffield only on one day and we managed to get tickets. he he, they will love it. I had thought of taking them to see a pantomime before but worried they would not sit still. This however is a perfect induction and trial as Lazy Town, for the uninitiated, is a both awful and brilliant international TV phenomenon aimed at pre-schoolers and is all about burning energy and eating vegetables so sitting still will probably not be too important.

On a slightly more terrifying note I think we are putting the house on the market tomorrow, we may not even be here for Christmas, that feels strange. Its all come about rather suddenly and I am both daunted and excited by the prospect, though possibly more the former at present. The thought of having to keep the house tidy for short notice viewings feels a bit unachievable. We will try. The end result will be great, my dream house is out there somewhere. It has a large garden with no privet hedges and a large utility room if you see it let me know!

2007-08-13T12:53:00.000Z

The Birthday

Well the other night we both too tired to anything other than pop the odd photo up. Children's parties are exhausting. But it was a good day, sadly we cant put any other photos of the party up as all the children (due to the presence of the paddling pool) were completely naked in them. One observation from the day would have to be, that it is a sign of age when you cant stand the taste of icing sugar any more. There was a distinct divide between those who would eat and those who wouldn't eat. Any one liking icing should pop round in the next day or two as there is still plenty left!

2007-08-11T19:35:00.000Z

Ruby's Third Birthday

Here are some photos from Ruby's birthday. I hope you are impressed with her mole cake.

2007-07-29T21:03:00.001Z

help I need help

I think I am addicted to online scrabble via facebook. I am not very good at it either. Just finished Harry Potter and the deathly hallows and cried my way through the last 4 chapters, I blame my hormonal state, I am not normally so hopeless.

2007-07-24T18:12:00.000Z

July

Long blogging absence due in part to not having much to say. Not that what I have to say now is particularly riveting but here it goes anyway.

Knitting circle starts tonight and less than an hour. I am so excited. I found this pattern and now three of us are going to knit it simultaneously. It is very gorgeous but will take us I suspect over a year. We intend to drink lots of real (ie made with bitter choc and milk) hot chocolate and do lots of chatting to make the time pass quickly. you may expect occasional updates as to how its going

Also
Just got back form my first pampered chef conference. Really quite determined to make this business work for me. I was getting a bit down with it but now I will give it until the end December (a natural breaking point) to see how it goes. The conference was quite something, lots of loud music bopping and flashing stars! And some really useful information and encouragement, so here goes. Someone ask me in a months time if it has made any difference please.

2007-07-03T20:11:00.000Z

Well we missed the floods but......
So while Sheffield was gripped by the worst floods in ages and all 5 rivers burst their banks, we were off on our summer holidays! Don't think we were let totally off the hook however we did manage force 8 gales, power cuts and several days of constant rain ourselves (just a few moments of wondering if we wouldn't be better of at home with the toys to entertain the girls). Despite all that it was great to get away and Crackington Haven was gorgeous as usual. The girls were able to venture into the sea on two days when the waves weren't too big due to high winds and although most of our time on the beach was spent in waterproofs and jumpers we downed a number good number of ice creams, clotted cream teas and spent hours in the cottage concocting fine meals instead! A double rib of very fine beef from a local cow cost us only £13, i would eat it more often at that price. Here are a few pictures of our time away

2007-06-15T21:13:00.002Z

More Photos
Even more photos that you have missed out on in the past month.
5 blogs in one day should make up for our inactivity.

2007-06-15T20:58:00.000Z

Photos
A selection of photos from the past month we would have blogged about if we had been organised.

2007-06-15T20:52:00.000Z

Flamenco - Part 2
As promised here are the photos of the girls in their flamenco gear. Enjoy.

2007-06-15T20:38:00.000Z

Steam Train

Last weekend we took the girls on the steam train from Haworth to Keighley. They loved it. Here are a few photos, the quality of them is not very good as they were taken on my mobile.

2007-06-15T20:01:00.000Z

Rain

That is pretty much all that has happened in Sheffield for the past few days. Thought that I'd share a photo of the puddle I had to drive through on my way to work this morning. Spare a thought for the poor owner of the Nissan Primera!

2007-05-31T06:52:00.001Z

Porridge Spiders, a warning.

Half way through my porridge this morning and one of the slightly burnt grains of porridge (there are always a few are there not) began to look a bit suspicious. It was only on very close inspection that i realised it was indeed a spider (dead, well dead). Obviously i picked it out but I have to say i was put off most of the rest of the bowl. What gets me though, is it would have been so easy to miss, I mean if the girls had had it they would have eaten it for sure. And I was very nearly convinced it was just a regular grain. Watch your porridge carefully. they are masters of disguise.

2007-05-30T17:57:00.001Z

Flamenco

Ruby and Coralie have been given the most lovely Flamenco outfits by their Grandad Noble after his latest trip to Spain (Gorgeous photos will be forthcoming as soon as I load them up). So today I thought I would put them and their Friend Hannah through their paces! Starting on You Tube we found some great videos to watch and soon they were stamping and strutting away. The video below was their favorite, you have to watch it and while you are at it why don't you stand up and do a few moves, if they can, you can. It is very educational, watch the ears dancing as well, I recon if you can do that you really are an expert.

2007-05-25T20:11:00.000Z

Bananas

And there I was imagining, Giant, life size bananas stalking helpless humans. Never mind, quite amusing.

2007-05-23T18:39:00.000Z

Oh Yes

I forgot to say, Ruby can draw. She has suddenly developed the skill of drawing people that are recognisable, with heads, eyes, arms and legs sometimes ears, hair, hands, and Brian gets a body and belly button. It was quite a shock the first time it happened. I saw a person on the paper and looked around to see who else was in the room.... but we were alone. It feels like a bit of a milestone, she is now able to express herself even more clearly in another format, very exciting. Today she even managed a snake and a snail although I have to admit that if I had not seen her do it and heard the running explanation of her drawing I would not have been confident of the interpretation.

2007-05-23T11:20:00.001Z

Last week

Well last week was VERY exciting. I got to go out in the evenings loads (thank you thank you thank you mum for sitting in). Like never before, in fact possibly more than in my pre motherhood days. Its quite good fun isn't it?

The River Cafe was of course fantastic. I don't expect I will ever go again but it was just lovely, pity I couldn't have any of the lovely wine, but the food was scrumptious (pork and tuna thing for starters, pigeon for mains, and a lemon tart that i have to admit was better than the one I made last week).

I got to go to the theatre courtesy of my lovely sister. A fab night out, although getting to the venue i did feel like Sammy country mouse going to visit Johnny town mouse. I have been away from London so long, it feels very foreign to me and i had to keep asking where i was!

The Nigerian wedding (congratulation Wole and Elizabeth) was great too. Lots of dancing and singing, the best bit was when the bridesmaids and groomsmen (including an none Nigerian friend of mine from university) had to dance their way into the reception.

The girls had their first real train experience. In fact a total of four trains that day when we we went to visit Naomi and Joel (me and two toddlers on the train for and hour each way!! I hope you are impressed). Ruby predictably wanted to paint the train pink and was most disappointed that it was yellow.

The list goes on......and now, back to life.....which is OK, nothing special but nice.

2007-05-13T22:23:00.001Z

2007-05-13T22:23:00.000Z

First Shoes

Yesterday Coralie was treated to her first pair of shoes by her grandad. She absolutely loves walking around in them. This weekend Coralie has progressed from 3 or 4 steps to 20 + consecutive steps and this transformation happened as soon as she put her new shoes on for the first time.

2007-05-10T21:13:00.000Z

Profiteroles

I impressed myself last week by making profiteroles. Actually I made 72 profiteroles! it was quite a sight i can tell you and they didn't taste too bad either although probably not perfect, it was my first attempt. The occasion was my friends hen day, which went very well, or at least she was reduced to tears at one point so i think it has to be deemed a success. (I now have very pink toes that Ruby loves after my time in the Spa) This also meant Brian had to look after the girlies form 8.00am- 11.30 pm all by himself (though i did pop back to help with bathing) and he did very well but he is not in the mood to load up the pictures to show you.

I am very excited because on Saturday I am being taken to the River Cafe in London by my dad as part of my birthday present. I am very excited by this as I love using their recipes but will have to try not to order something we cook already so we can compare the two. I may have to write about what it was like later. I am also excited because the following Saturday I will be at a wedding, also in London, which sounds I think like it will be a bit of a university reunion...... and.......wait for it.........mam and Hannah are looking after the girls so we can go as proper grown ups!!! (my friends will have their children but never mind) I am sure I will be anxious and worrying a bit, but not too much. I hope mam and Hannah are prepared for what they have let themselves in for hahahahahah. I do fancy a reunion, and a wedding.

2007-05-01T13:36:00.000Z

It was an accident

Ruby was lovely this morning, we went to the botanical gardens with a friend and We were full of the joys of spring when we got home ( which may partly account for what happened next). Over lunch Ruby got dressed up in her long ballet skirt and started spinning urgently requesting 'some ballet music mummy'. So I turned on Classic FM, as you do, that was when it all started. It was lunch time requests. I suddenly became possessed by a strange spirit of adventure and did something I have never done before and made an online request. Thinking that was all I had to do that was ok. Well sure only until they ring back! (canny so and so's ask for your phone number when you request), and the next thing I know I am on national radio talking about shepherds pie and requesting swan lake music. I was mildly traumatised to say the least ( I hate to hear my own voice, I sound like an old man with a cold) but I am sure I will get over it. Ruby needless to say danced for ages to classic FM but when the request actually came on was too obsessed by the washing up to dance to it.

And the moral of the story is. When the spirit of adventure takes hold and you decide to go with it then you have to be prepared for the consequences however mundane the adventure may have seemed at first it can be worse than you think.

2007-04-30T21:22:00.000Z

PINK

At the moment everything has to be pink as far as Ruby is concerned. No other colour will do. So you can imagine how happy she is with her new pink bike. Her parents are also happy with the bike as it was bought for the bargain price of £7 from the Fulwood Church Playgroup sale. She loves taking the bike to the park, but she has not quite learnt how to peddle properly. The bike also has a little seat on the back so that dolly can go for bike rides with her.

After Sunday afternoon's bike ride we went home for a pink dinner. Pink ham, followed by pink milky jelly (surprisingly good, just substitute evaporated milk for half of the water and whisk) and Ruby loved it and ate everything up. Maybe we should colour the rest of our meals with pink food colouring. Coralie also enjoyed the pink milky jelly, so much so her face went pink in her desperation to reach out for seconds.

2007-04-21T19:46:00.000Z

Monster

This morning there was a monster in the bath! No kidding. It had eight eyes. We brought Ruby to see the monster and she was well impressed. However when asked if she liked him she replied 'no I like pink incy wincy'. Well that says it all really. If she going to like at the moment its got to be pink (no encouragement form me I hasten to add). I shall have to find one...Well I have found a pink toed bird eating spider, but the best I have come up with so far is this, the purple bloom bird eating spider. Ha ha ha i will have see what she thinks of that in the morning! The one below is the found in the bath. If you enlarge the photo by clicking on it then you can see the hairs on its legs and its eyes shining on its head, lovely.

2007-04-14T19:53:00.000Z

A day of firsts

My first day using a rotavator. Great, very addictive extremely satisfying and effective. Much easier than the alternative.

The first time we used our new camera. Having lots of fun, there will be some photos to follow.

AND most importantly, drum roll please, Coralies' First steps! she was just about to go to bed then she just let go, aiming for a pot of sudocrem, three steps the first time. Witnessed by my mother and I. Then Brian arrived on the scene and she took another four (twice) it was so lovely. we were all clapping but she didn't know what she had done and just gave us a marvelous grin as if to say what are you clapping about. Ruby of course had to show us she could walk two steps too and did a queer little shuffle, for which she also got a clap. We shall have to see what happens tomorrow perhaps she will have forgotten all about it.

Now some photos , just because we can.... a shadow on the wall,
now some of you will have seen another picture rather like this!I have a thing for hairy plants and I was given this blue poppy today by mum. Just look how hairy it is. Looks itchy. reminds me of caterpillars . I love it.

A Ranunculus flowerBy the way. By next Monday evening our old mobile phone numbers will be restored to use. So if you feel like calling us next Monday that would be great so we have your number on our newish phones. Ta.

2007-04-08T21:59:00.000Z

this and that

Well We did have some lovely pictures for you all to see. However, owing to an unfortunate incident on Wednesday night, when there were uninvited guests roaming round our downstairs in the middle of the night. We no longer have the camera or the pictures to show you.

Easter has been great, very Eastery this year. Its funny when you are not really used to having bank holidays, then you suddenly start having them and being off at the same time as most other people, you suddenly realise just how much you have been missing out on. they are great. Good weather helps I suppose. But they really do make you feel good. We have been very Eastery this year. Our Easter tree is quite nostalgic for me. We made home made hot crossed buns, an Easter bonnet and even had a roast lamb supper and popped a bottle of champagne with friends to celebrate the Rising of Jesus! To say I am not normally in favour of making events of events it all feel quite well celebrated. Nice. Next year we will do an egg hunt too.

Well done to Harry who celebrated his birthday yesterday by organising a minor event in the city of London. I love the pictures. are you doing it next year?

Have had my first rejection of my manuscript. To be expected, but I was impressed that they actually replied (and very promptly) to be truthful. Thank you Anderson press for replying. I had better send off a few more and get writing the next one, I feel my creative juices bubbling away at present and they need an outlet. It must be not nursing that makes them bubble. My theory is that nursing is directly opposed to creative juices.

Looking forward to having Brian at home again tomorrow, hooray!

2007-03-30T08:27:00.000Z

I am not holding my breath

But today I am sending of the first few copies of my manuscript to publishers! I don't hold up much hope and fully expect as many rejections or no responses as I have sent out but it is exciting anyway, something new. They are all sat in envelopes by the door waiting for me to take them out. I will have to start working on my next one now. I think I will call it 'sprouts!

2007-03-25T11:44:00.000Z

Six words

Yesterday in the Guardian magazine was a series of stories in six words. I thought it was great. One example, by Earnest Hemingway 'for sale, baby shoes, never worn'. I thought it would be fun to have a go myself. I will post my story shortly but I was wondering if any of you would like to post some stories too, why leave it to the professionals. Have a look at the link to get some ideas and lets all have ago.

Reason for the blogging absence I shall attribute to Coralie being unwell and finding myself too tied up with her.

2007-03-11T21:13:00.000Z

As promised
A wee video of our big C strutting her stuff at Cannon Hall. She was SO proud of herself, she doesn't get much opportunity to stretch her legs like that at home and couldn't quite contain her excitement.

2007-03-11T20:45:00.000Z

Lovely spring weekend

Trying to enjoy being out again

Well today we went to art in the park at a little community garden not far away. We looked for bugs under rocks and thing and I got so excited when I found a centipede and a baby devils coachman. And we got to make sculptures of all bugs and stuff. I was a bit amateurish but I did have Coralie on my back and had to squat in an uncomfortable position while Ruby pulled things and fought with Coralie and I tried to harness my creative side. I think Ruby enjoyed helping me and she certainly like having the lacewing hanging in her room. She loved painting we will definitely go to the next one.
Yesterday we took the girls for a stroll at cannon hall, and treated Ruby to a cherry ice cream, we may have a small video for you later.

2007-03-09T09:20:00.000Z

Spring is so exciting

Such lovely weather such lovely flowers, birds singing. So much easier to get out and about, so much nicer than being cooped up in this cage. Here are some photos from the botanical gardens yesterday with friends. Anyway got to go, we are heading off to Rivelin park today.

That's Ruby with Hannah and Freddie. We put them in the bear pit so we could have some peace and quiet. Not really.

And of course we wouldn't want to forget Coralie and Leni, they are lovely. Like an old couple.

2007-03-08T18:11:00.000Z

Allo Allo

is making a comeback! Hooray. So if you love it as much as I do then make sure you watch it.

Other news, I have started knitting again but have gone and chosen a pattern using kebab stick sized needles and very fine yarn. Coralie may be 10 before I finish these groovy trousers.

Photos to follow this later this evening.

2007-03-02T09:06:00.000Z

Its 9.11 in the morning

And we have taken the rocking chair bus to the seaside and been fishing in the rock pools, swimming in the sea and had some ice creams. Ruby is just puting her sunrceam an and settteling down to catch some rays. Do you like her swim suit? Here are some of our holiday snaps.

Well I had planned to get out to graves park this moring as we have been a bit cooped up recently and the sun is out but it may take a bit of pursuasion, Ruby just loves the seaside.

2007-02-28T21:12:00.000Z

I did it!

And I actually enjoyed some of it. The lessons on plants are over, phew now I might be able to think about something else, and I actually enjoyed it ish. There have been complaints that photos of the girls are lacking so I will try and find one to remedy that right now.

Ruby Just loves that museum, perhaps I will apply for that job I saw there and she can visit me at work, Cant say fairer than that.

2007-02-24T22:08:00.000Z

mmmmm Jelly and cream. I had forgotten.

2007-02-21T21:33:00.000Z

Ruby and Robin

Got stuck in the toilet together! Maybe you had to be there but it was so funny (if a little alarming too). Location, Jessops maternity hospital. On our way out Ruby and I in need of the ladies. Robin came to. Robin in the cubicle next door, Ruby finished I let her down and no sooner had I done so but she skipped of to join Robin thump, clunk, chuckle, chuckle, chuckle. They had only decided to lock themselves in the toilet together.

A wave of panic swept over me, calm down, calm down. I called for Bea waiting outside. Well it was all OK, the fire brigade did not have to be called they did manage to unlock the door after a bit more chuckling and a bit of cajoling by Bea. But for one moment I could see it turning into a slightly embarrassing moment.

Oh and Congratulations the Lawrensons. Joseph was gorgeous (we were there to visit a friend before anyone gets any ideas!) if a we bit small (6 weeks early but doing great by the sounds).

2007-02-17T21:52:00.000Z

One year on
Well one year on, Coralie is one! And gorgeous. I was at work, so we didn't do so much, but it was lovely anyway.

2007-02-16T22:04:00.000Z

Mozart, Mahler and Halle

I have just had the most amazing experience and I am going to have to write it down so I don't forget. Colin took me to see the Halle orchestra at the city hall.and It was just incredible. I did however leave with more questions than I would have thought possible and found watching the music very distracting because I kept thinking of things I needed to know but didn't. Just listening to music I think I would have heard more of the music and far less of the clutter of the mind. I should have taken a blindfold. Bear in mind these are the thoughts of a person who normally turns music off as clutter and has the musical abilities of a deaf jellyfish.

Some of my thoughts and questions, If you have the answers please let me know:

Do conductors have marshmallows underneath their armpits?
How brave female musicians are wearing armless clothes in front of an audience. But I guess they all have great arms cos they have to work them so much.
Can left handed people play the violin, if so do they play it in the other arm and if they do can they play sitting next to a right handed violin player or would it get nasty?
Mozart is a bit frilly, Mahler is amazing
How the big copper drum player just looked like a musician, he could have been nothing else, how did he manage to tune it while the orchestra was playing and he was sitting in the middle of them?
How come musicians are not ever fat?
That I still think violins are squeaky and a bit irritating but they were very good
How mysterious musicians are
Do violinist get RSI?

It was amazing how when the mood of the music changed instead of listening to the music I would end up thinking about something in my life that reflected the mood of the music at that point. this never happens when I listen on the radio it was most distracting, I will have to listen to it again without watching it to actually hear the music.

Oh I cant remember all the questions, I have to go back to my first day on the wards for a year tomorrow so I have to go to bed now. I am cutting into sleeping time by reliving my experience my nagging husband keeps reminding me. Goodnight.

2007-02-16T10:27:00.000Z

this UNICEF report thing is very interesting

I really must get rid of the cats before Ruby learns too many swear words. Poor cats.

2007-02-15T22:30:00.000Z

Look what I made!

OK they are not identical, that will be sorted out, I had to reshape the second glove when i realised I had not made the thunb big enough. They are for Ruby who hates to have cold hands. If you haven't already you should get hold of the Guardian craft guide from the other weekend. I can see our next girls night taking on a distinctly creative theme.

Ruby loves wearing the gloves, but she calls them her oven gloves!

2007-02-15T20:39:00.000Z

Oh no, I am going to have to tell her its not true!

We went for a lovely walk today and got lost in the disused allotment at the bottom of the road. There were gates standing there with numbers on with no wall attached like standing stones, derelict buildings, crumbling glasshouses. The hedges were grown tall and sticky forming an arch over our heads at all times. It was very overgrown. We learned names of holly (she calls it polly), ivy, moss, fern and fungus. There was a stream that traveled underground and popped up every now and then on or by our path to form a pool. It was by one of the pools I made a big mistake. The setting was quite magical really, the whole place has a surreal feel of forgotten and crumbly, there where roots of trees creating dark hollow and the polls edge and arcing over us and the water. I said this was where the fairies came out to dance at night, oops. Now she was so upset that we did not see a fairy it was all she could talk about from then on. Now I am going to have to tell her it is not true and It will ruin everything.

2007-02-10T16:25:00.000Z

Fun in the Snow

This year Ruby is a bit less scared of the snow, a little cautious initially but now seems to embrace it. She was very happy holding Coralie on her knee and being pulled along, they are so gorgeous. I took them out yesterday and today Brian took them while I was out at the Spa (lucky me). We have even had Skiers walking past the house on the way to the park.

2007-02-08T15:11:00.000Z

Jack of all trades

Well I have joined the nursing agency (goodbye family weekends) , I am going to become a pampered chef sales person (So any of you who read this in Sheffield surrounding area and would like a show please let me know as I need an initial six to get started and so far have only two possibilities so far). And my story is just about ready to be sent to publishers, how exciting. So I feel quite industrious at the moment oh yes and there are still those lesson at the end of February, so I am a teacher too. And last but most importantly I am mum. Variety is exciting I guess.

Does anyone know how to put tape recordings onto the computer, we have something special for some of you to listen too but need to get it off the tape.

2007-02-02T21:02:00.000Z

Now you see me

Now you don't

She just loves this game. And the pink hat is rather fetching isn't it. I wish I could put up a recording of the dirty old mans laugh she does at the same time.

2007-01-25T21:41:00.000Z

Hairy Plants

I have just spent and hour or so learning about hairy plants. It has been most exciting. Here is one interesting thing I have learnt. The common old stinging nettle that stings you does so by having hollow hairs on its surface filled with formic acid under pressure (that is the same stuff ants use to deter predators). when you brush against the plant you break the hair which sticks in you and acts as a syringe, injecting you with formic acid. ow. Here is a great picture of the superb syringe hairs themselves.

Also on a sweeter note the geranium (pelargonium) plant that smells nice as you pass by is also covered with hairs which break as you touch them, these however contain a ball of perfume at the base and the the sweet fragrance is released, how nice. I am not sure what the use is of this to the plant however that is should bother to produce this stuff.

I find this so fascinating.

2007-01-19T22:11:00.000Z

duplo

obviously Brian is a real boy, just look at the creation he created for Ruby (he is very proud of it). She loves playing with it and even I am told designed a bit of it herself. Well done for getting in there girl, dad looked like he was such fun I didn't think he would let you play with his duplo. These are incidentally the very same duplo blocks Bri played with as a child, his mam amazingly kept them all this time.

I have been instructed to tell you the central picture is the bit he is most proud of, the man is apparently working on a car in his garage. The left hand picture is the bit designed by Ruby, a little tea party.

2007-01-19T08:18:00.000Z

Daddy's kisses
Every morning without fail Brian gives each of his three girls a goodbye kiss and says have a nice day while rushing out the door. Well today he forgot I think for almost the first time ever. ( that may be because I was grumping at him as Coralie pulled the tablecloth about sending things flying and Ruby was being demanding and whiny about precisely how she wanted her toast buttered in a particular way right now. Perhaps we were not very approachable). Anyway I would not have noticed but the door shut with a quick bye and Ruby burst into tears, when asked why. 'Daddy's kisses I like daddy's kisses, didn't get daddy's kisses'

This is not the first time Ruby has been funny about daddy's kisses. Frequently I give Ruby a kiss during the day and say I love you Ruby. Ruby more often than not turns to me and says 'no kisses, I like daddy's kisses, Ruby loves daddy'. I am big girl, I can take it.

2007-01-18T20:09:00.000Z

Especially for uncle Jack

This is a picture of the T-shirt that ruby designed (a present from uncle Jack). She wears it with pride and proudly shows her friends. Just realised I shouldn't have written 'by ruby' on it for her though, as now is Will be a bit odd when I hand it down to Coralie. Oops I think the marker is indelible.

2007-01-11T15:17:00.000Z

What has happened

I just saw some photos of me and Bri from before we had children, now I am feeling rubbish.

2007-01-10T21:53:00.000Z

Plants!

Somehow (oh why did I not think twice and say no), I have got myself into the situation of having to give three lessons to a whole school sometime towards the end of february, argh. I am no teacher, I am a bit shy, all the parents are going to be there, I could make a complete fool of myself, but I do like a challenge and it is a change from the daily routine. But I am no teacher I think mistakenely someone has it in their head that I am some kind of minor expert on plants, they will be dissapointed. I am already sweating over hours of preparation and nereves and I still have over a month to go, watch me still be struggelling to get it sorted hours before it begins. And what a crazy topic 'plants' far to big and exciting I only have 20 mins per lesson I need at least a year to do them justice.

2007-01-10T21:32:00.000Z

Soil songs

Here are a couple of poems I found and liked while loking for things to put in the lessons. From a whole page dedicated to soil songs!

A Rainbow of Soil

F.D. Hole, 1985

A rainbow of soil is under our feet:
Red as a barn & black as a peat.
It's yellow as lemon and white as the snow;
Bluish gray ... so many colors below.
Hidden in darkness as thick as the night:
The only rainbow that can form without light.
Dig you a pit, or bore you a hole,
You'll find enough colors to well rest your soul.

Walking on the Earth

F.D. Hole, 1989

The moment that a child can walk,
like that in which it first can talk,
is a precious start of exploration into landscapes of creation.

Chorus:
Walking, walking, walking, walking, walking on the earth.

By sense of touch the feet assess
the nature of the wilderness
of earth beneath; yet human speech cannot express what feet can teach.

Chorus

2007-01-10T19:54:00.000Z

I did it for you!

She is still being fantastic. This morning she took off her night nappy and did a large pee for which she was sutibly praised. Her next words were 'I did it for you'. Now where did she get that from? How sweet of her to think of me, just what I wanted!

2007-01-05T22:35:00.000Z

A real big girl

Ruby has been nappy free for three days now. We have even made several out of house expeditions complete with very anxious, over nagging mother (me) and potty. She has done fantastically. I hope things continue in this manner. If they do I will be a very happy me, over the moon in fact. I am so proud of her. But lugging a potty around is a bit of a pain it is true.

2007-01-04T21:16:00.000Z

Take a look at these

Another thing on at the Natural History Museum was the Wildlife Photographer of The Year exhibition. Take a look at some of the amazing photos. Ruby particulary likes the one with the moon on.

2007-01-03T22:23:00.000Z

Natural curiosity

Here are a few pics of our trip to the Natural History museum. We had a fab time and Ruby got so excited she danced every time she saw something new, which was all of the time, so it was rather an exciting trip. And oh boy, you should have seen her when she got to talk to some elephants on the telephone! I don't remember being so excited when I went to these places.

Go there.

Coralie enjoyed it too but on a different level.

2007-01-03T22:17:00.000Z

nuts

One bite of pepper, one bite of celery, one bite of raw courgette, one bite of banana, then line them in a row and leave them there. What's that about?

2006-12-31T22:43:00.000Z

She moves (ode to coralie)

I hardly ever mention Coralie in blogs, not sure why, she is just so amazing and never causes any trouble, so perhaps that is why. Perhaps she never does much of note, or the antics of a toddler, and often more appealing and exhilarating than that a baby (and she still feels like a baby even at 10 months).

Anyway, as if to rectify the imbalance I can report she now moves with some speed and purpose across the floor, neither a bum shuffle, nor a crawl in her own wonderful way, perhaps more of a sqating lurch, she is finally mobile and I see my days of easy parenting (trusting Ruby and knowing Coralie to be stuck) suddenly dissolving into a mess of childhood discovery and sibling rivalry (now that Coralie can hold her in own in a funny sort of way). We will see.

She is still a wonderfully content and satisfied child (especially now she has her eight tooth), able to amuse herself to an almost worrying degree. Ready to move from being a baby to the more exciting status of being a toddler perhaps. We do love our pumpkin face....agh she has woken up I can hear her crying, time for me to go.

2006-12-31T21:51:00.000Z

31 December 06 (Granny's 95th Birthday, Happy birthday, I can imagine what you are up to!)

The youth next door are making a terrible noise and have woken Ruby up once already. Humph. All my family are out partying (including mother) and we are in eating haggis and enjoying the peace and quiet. are we getting old or are we just more sensible than everyone else?

Well just a few things to say about the past week.

The natural history museum is a great place to take small toddlers. Ruby danced every time she saw a new exhibit and was even fascinated by a live disection of worm jaws! riveting stuff. Her obsession with "moley" goes on.

Christmas, lovely time but it is all a bit weird too, I mean what is it all about now? Certainly has no spiritual meaning in our house, more a devotion to food. It is hard to keep perspective.

We have a distant relative from Chile staying over at the moment. It is weird how similar he looks to my brother and dad (apart from the nose) Photos to follow. I look less like my sister than they do like each other.

Please let me never get as old as my grandmother

And finally, so how are General Pinochet and Saddam Hussein different so that one was able to live out his life. Is it OK to give up trying to understand things?

2006-12-22T22:13:00.000Z

Ahhhhhhhh

That lovely feeling when finally everything is packed up and totally organised to get away, and that is not easy with the girls unpacking as fast as I was packing. At times the house looked more like we were moving in rather than trying to get out. But its done. Hooray, cant wait, a whole weeks change of scenery. Family, I can t wait to see you, use your lovely showers mmm, your amazing laundry facilities, all that scrummy Christmas food, oh and of course your great company. So watch out we are ready and we will be down tomorrow morning to greet you as you get out of bed and the girls will be bouncing by that time in the morning.

Although the house is so tidy right now its a pity to leave it to the cats to fluff up. I almost wish Brian and the girls were going away and I could stay and enjoy it being tidy for a day or two, just me totally in control without the risk of my carefully controlled environmet being upset by any of the three wild things I live with. Is't that sad.

Hope everyone has a fantastic Christmas, and pre Christmas.

2006-12-19T22:43:00.000Z

Nice

Well I think I behaved myself. Just had a lovely time went to a bar, walked home with the frost settling all around us. Shared a six inch subway sandwich, just because we could. Watched all the people doing what people who go out more often do. Felt very old on the bus down as everyone seemed to be a spotty teenager. Walking home hand in hand was the best bit, no one else out, dark and cold and quiet. Although the Amaretto sour was worth going back for. Will have to do it more often, anyone up for babysitting?

2006-12-17T21:53:00.000Z

I'm being let out!!

I can hardly contain my excitement, on Tuesday my dearly beloved friend Colin is going to babysit for us and we are going out, after dark, together, no children. I am not sure if i can remember how to behave in that sort of environment. Will let you know.

2006-12-13T09:30:00.000Z

Ironing

This is an old video, but still one of our favourites.

2006-12-12T09:39:00.000Z

Top secret

Wow, I have just finished writing the words for the children's story I hope to produce! If I can pull this off I will be a different person to who I thought I was. Obviously I cant tell you much about it, that would be telling. Lets see what happens.

2006-12-10T18:59:00.000Z

All in an afternoon's work

This afternoon Ruby has stroked a lion, seen a polar bear, spotted beetles, bugs and butterflies, visited a mole in his hole, built an igloo, done the dusting dressed as a Victorian maid and sold bacon and eggs in a butcher's shop. Beat that for a Sunday afternoon!

2006-12-09T22:15:00.000Z

Buskers

Wandering round town this afternoon Ruby is animated. Look, look, look, pointing at the tree covered in lights. 'Mummy more music' There are buskers all round town and she drags us round each and every one, only she doesn't go and drop the coin in the hat, she goes and stands in front of the busker arm outstretched, waiting for them to take the coin out of her hand. We have interrupted several rendition of hark the herald in this way. Also if you only give 10p it is embarrassing because they can see you are being stingy. If you give them 50p it gets expensive after you have been round a few, a dilemma. However it is very cute. And really wandering round town at present, looking at lights, with no other agenda as we have finished the crimbo shopping, is truely a delight in our child's curiosity and excitement, Christmas feel truly Christmassy again (until we get home again and I am being scrooge about putting decorations up).

Oh and as a car passed by window open rap music blaring out, (I was carrying Ruby by this stage, everything was dark and sparkly), she gave a real groovy wiggle dance. Really in the spirit and very touching.

2006-12-09T20:51:00.000Z

Family resemblence!

When I grow up I want to be ..........nuts! (that's her uncle with the beard), further training still required but a good disciple dont you think?

2006-12-09T20:39:00.000Z

YO HO HO HO

Well done everybody! (that reindeer has his work cut out), pictures courtesy of dad.

2006-12-05T19:34:00.000Z

Ridiculous

Ok, let me explain. I have to go back to work post maternity leave for three months to ensure I don't have to pay back my maternity pay. I am angry with the NHS and never want to work for them again for various reasons i) because they have effectively forced me to stop work by ridiculously increasing their nursery prices so people who work shifts cant afford to use the nursery, its a hospital you nuts, and by being inflexible employers. They have done this half way thorough maternity leave so it is too late for me to hand my notice in and I am obliged to go back to work without childcare or may back my maternity pay. ii) because when you do work for them they quash your spirit make sure you don't realise any of your potential.

BUT
I got a call from work today and taking annual leave into account and the fact that I can request to drop my hours to one day a week I have to go back for only two days, two days!!!! That is hardly enough for me to remember how to find the sluice! (Only kidding) but really what use am I going to be to them for two days, one weekend. I want to be free of them, they obviously don't want to be rid of me so they can save money blah blah blah surely it would make more sense just to draw a line under the whole thing than have them pay me holiday pay for three months, ridiculous, absurd.

2006-12-04T23:11:00.000Z

The Angel Cyclops

Forget trendy decorations, our house is going to look monstrous this year. This is Ruby's take on an angel.

2006-11-29T22:04:00.000Z

One missing

Ruby went to stay the night at grandmas last night (eight doors down the road)! The first time shes been away on her own. It was fine, but it was weird how it felt like there was one missing at bed time and bath time (I think Coralie liked it). Ruby certainly did she got well pampered with a comic and her pj's warmed on the radiator. When I dropped her off she just said 'now go away mummy!' I try not to feel rejected, but see the potential benefits of this arrangement. Grandma seemed to survive more or less intact too. A successful experiment.

2006-11-29T21:18:00.000Z

Time to stop feeling guilty

The decision is made, for me in some ways, by the sudden rise in workplace nursery prices. I can't say I feel sad about it though. This is after all what We believe is best for the girls, even if it is a little stressful economically, we are rich in may ways and very happy. I am not particularly going to miss my work when i do my last day some time early next year. As I have said before, in many ways it is an opportunity. So, the question is, why do I still feel so guilty about being a full time mother (do not use the term house wife, I am not one of those, I don't spend that much time in the house and am certainly not married to it) and not being economically active in society?

What is it about our society that tells me I am only valuable if I am contributing in the workplace? That makes me feel foolish if I think I will be able to get back into work if I take a break while the girls are very young. Why do I feel so irresponsible? Why, even though I know why I am not frantically looking for new work and am convinced this is the best thing for the girls, do I still feel guilty? Why do I feel like people think I am taking the easy option, when actually it is not that easy? I do go nuts sometimes. It is an active decision not a passive one. So many questions.

Someone once asked me if I felt undervalued as a nurse. My reply was 'no not really, but I do feel undervalued as a mother.' (not by Brian I hasten to add).

I really need to stop worrying about what other people think, and feeling this guilt. How do I do that? Pants to all societies dumb values, I'm going to do what I want to do. Whoever you are out there creating this dumb and upside down feeling that pervades around, stop it, now.

2006-11-25T21:13:00.000Z

Sea Monsters

We love aquariums. Bri and I went to one in Boston and one in Cape Town years ago before the girls came along. Well this was the first time we had taken the girls to one, I was hoping they would share my enthusiasm and excitement and if it wasn't naturally forthcoming to cultivate it by early exposure.

Ruby enjoyed it but not without the odd whimper of horror as a big fish approached and looked her squarely in the eye. Given the choice of making a shark badge or a seaweed badge she quickly chose the latter, she obviously hasn't realised just how scary seaweed can be when it wraps itself around your legs. Coralie seemed quite content.

probably the only reason I can think of for Enough babble here are some of the best pics. It was great fun and well worth a visit.

a video of a cow fish

a video of some jellies

2006-11-22T21:09:00.000Z

Lullabies

Christmas carols make great lullabies. But tonight I think I have exhausted all I know (isn't it annoying how you can only remember the first verse or two).

I also like, kum by ah, Molly Malone, swing low sweet chariot, lavenders blue. Currently I feel in need of a bit more variety in my repertoire (as I am undertaking sleep training with Coralie an putting my poor voice through quite a lot). I Invite you to tell me your favorite soothing song.

I will also share with you one we sing in our Wednesday morning music sessions with Martin, the most amazing, music man. Once he has whipped the littles up into a friendzy with his singing and instrument banging he often ends with this song. Sung softly to his guitar and the effect is incredible, they all lie on the floor and shut their eyes, at 9.45 am, its like hypnosis honestly..........Sadly I cant use this at home because I can't pronounce the words (or magically play the guitar) but give it a go.

aah ooh ay
nya ra ra mura na
kana watch ay ma
oh nya ra ra

I have no idea what it means!

2006-11-20T20:32:00.000Z

Crusty

mmmm we have on loan a bread maker from Brian's dad. Received it yesterday with thanks. This is a picture of the first loaf, its a bit of an odd shape but it tasted nice. Not sure how long all this will last, I guess it will depend how easy it turns out to be when i progress to wholemeal.
Took the girls swimming today, they loved it, Coralie was off all on her own hanging onto the edge of the pool and onto Rubys armbands, plopping in off the edge all on her own. The main argumenent I can see for not getting rid of the car is that is would make getting to swimming next to impossible.

2006-11-19T16:38:00.000Z

Strictly come wiggling

2006-11-18T20:52:00.001Z

Lets wiggle

Ruby is cool! Here she is dancing to the wiggles, we have a one minuite clip of them as a tailer on a free dvd and she took and instant, well, wiggle to them. We now have to play the clip over and over again to entertain her. I can see us invesing in there full version for chrismas. For the uninitiated the wiggles are a bunch of seriously bizarre australian boys who are great at entertaining young kids, even if I find them a bit cringy I have to admit they are fantastic.

We have a great video of Ruby wiggling, but we don't know how to post it. If you can help, please leave a comment telling us how to do it.

We have also sorted out the techincal problems with the photos of the two previous posts, but we have lost Chris' comment, sorry.

2006-11-18T20:38:00.000Z

legumes 2

While on the bean theme, one of those odd things I have always wondered is what lentils look like when they are growing, they just seem as though they should be different form beans. Inspired by borlotti's I looked it up and will share a lentil plant picture with you now so that your curiosity too can be satisfied.

here is a link to another photo of a lentil plant
and if you think it reminds you of wild vetch, because that is what it reminded me of its ok because they are related.

And by the way what Brian means is not 'they are a very attractive looking food', but 'they are really beautiful' and he brings them home as proud as punch with a 'look what I found' hunter gatherer sort of pleasure when he comes back from Beanies. He loves them....man show some emotion. Honestly that is what its really like.

2006-11-18T20:32:00.000Z

Legumes 1

I have been reminded over the past couple of days why this the address for this blog is called nagging wife. I have been well and truly nagged into posting a blog.

Thought that I would share two pictures of the borlotti beans that I bought this week, as I think they are a very attractive looking food. I find them a bit deceptive as they look so good, but never quite taste a good as you think.

Also, here is a photo of me with my two beautiful daughters.

Hopefully this will keep the nagging wife off my back a day or two!

2006-11-11T20:14:00.000Z

Help.....oh what a situation, I am torn between a strong desire for sticky toffee pudding and not wanting to brave the cold wet squally monster who is sat outside my back door, who i need to brave in order to get it. What shall I do, I have 15 mins to decide because then strictly come dancing comes on and it will be too late. Hang on ....... I am back now, there, desire won and having defeated the monster I now feel I deserve the pud,great, you will have to give me a while now..........Well the pud was worth it (Ray and Camilla got voted off, I love all the dresses I want to be on the show).

Yesterday I went for a treat to the spa 1887 in town. Brian had the girls all day it was amazing. Everyone should go at least three times a year.

Coralie has turned into a sleep demon after lovely day yesterday both girls were up till after midnight, today, currently Coralie is still up screaming and writhing having woken up twice since she first went to bed, its only 10.00 I don't know what to do with her. I just know in a few weeks or months it will be different/hopefully better and nothing stays the same, phew. I have put spiders to the back of my mind and thoughts of long term what to do, will come back to that another day. I have also been thinking about home education again, it seems so far away and unachievable without going nuts, but more and more what I would like to do. Another conundrum, I am sure I will just tow the party line again.

Will find some nice photos of the girls for next time.

2006-11-09T22:09:00.000Z

Spiders again

The spider never finished the lacewing. I found the body lying on the floor, still the spider was looking nice and plump. Did you know spiders are amazing (Hannah take note), they can go for up to a year without a meal and when they do eat they can consume the equivalent of their own body weight in grub. However spiders have to digest their food outside their body by secreting enzymes and juices into their prey, then sucking it up it already digested, this is called external digestion. It is not unusual for spiders to eat spiders, even there own brothers and sisters. Spiders are not generally fussy about what they eat but can taste their food and will reject it if it doesn't like the flavour. Spiders catch their prey in a variety of different ways. We all know the beautiful webs that are one method. Research by NASA on orb web spiders investigated the effect of giving various drugs on their ability to create beautiful webs. Drugs administered included cannabis, caffeine, speed to name but a few. The way spiders spun their webs varied wildly depending on the drug they were given. Have a look at some of the webs, the one below is from a spider on caffeine and the one below that is by a spider on LSD.

Caffeine

LSD

It may be helpful for some of us to note that spiders given caffeine produced the most useless webs of all the spiders in the test. And to think we drink this stuff all the time and then try and drive cars or work, help.

Anyway you probably knew all this anyway I have enjoyed reminding myself how amazing spiders are. I shall look at them differently now, until the next time I am clearing up cobwebs that is.

2006-11-08T15:12:00.000Z

A mouse in my house........and more

well I got a bit of a surprise today when I went to sweep my floor and found a Vole (i think, definitely not a mouse actually) snoozing in my dustpan. Must have been brought in as a trophy buy the amazing fat Mr Fred! He never kills them they always get away, he is a hopeless mouser. Well good for the vole he was well fed himself must have been snaking on the cat food he was quite plump himself. Managed to catch a quick picture as i released him. Good luck Mr vole run away, run far far away, i do have a soft spot for small fury animals.

Another natural wonder i discovered today was a spider with a body the size of a pin feasting on a large lacewing, yum yum. It has been munching for hours and seeming to make no progress. Why rush a good meal eh. I don't know how he caught it there was no web, would love to have seen. This was the best picture I could get. I do wish lacewings ate spiders though and not the other way round.

Aside from creature watching. I have been investigating illustrating a children's book as a possible option and have found loads of stuff that tells you how, including a really interesting distance learning course. It would be a bit of a gamble though as I have no artistic experience, hum. I have also applied for information on a distance learning course on how to become a bookkeeper and be self employed. I am excited about the options. Goodbye nursing, pants to the nhs and hello possibilities. Any suggestions please let me know. However in the mean time it is fantastic to be with the girls all the time and a real privilege. I suppose the situation with the nursery is really a blessing in disguise.

2006-11-06T19:45:00.000Z

Well, I know halloween was about a week ago but I realy wanted to put up this photo as it made me laugh so hard when I saw it, so here it is in a sort of who needs pumpkins sort of way. Hope you enjoy it.

On the festive note, I went to the library with the girls today and as it was bonfire night yesterday the story and craft was about rockets. But it seems that there is a serious deficit in the childrens book market for books actually based on bonfire night they could not find one at any of the childrens libraries! There perhaps that could be a project for me, a bonfire book.

2006-11-05T19:52:00.000Z

A photo or two of the passengers, just to introduce you.

From the top, Brian, Ruby, Coralie and Chloe. The Nobles.

2006-11-05T18:13:00.000Z

Welcome to our new blog.
Come join us on our voyage!