Hey From Sunny Barbados

As you may have guessed Laura's visa arrived and we headed south to Gatwick on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day we were up early and headed off to Puerto Rico. On Boxing Day we boarded our cruise ship (the Carribean Princess) and from then on we have been busy shopping, eating, playing, resting ...... oh and did I mention eating and eating and eating lol. I have probably put on 2 stones in weight already and we still have a weeks holiday left. Tonight is the big New Years Eve parties and we are not sure which one to go to yet. We will start off with the British New Year party at 8pm Barbados time and work up to midnight here (it's like two for the price of one lol). I have taken lots of photographs of the ship and the islands we visited (St Maarten, Tortola, Antigua, St Lucia and Barbados and I will probably bore you to death with them soon.

I had a lovely birthday yesterday on the island of St Lucia and have treated myself to facials, manicures, hot stone therapy etc. (well I told Jim I am now high maintenance given my great age lol).

Off now to make myself beautiful (it takes a while now I've reached the big 50)

Fee x

Still Freezing Here

It took me half an hour to fully defrost my car this morning due to the cold weather and my feet were frozen even though I had on my new metallic silver leopard print wellies (very stylish lol). I think that I'll need to put on extra thick socks when I'm wearing them in future.

I applied for our ESTA visa documentation on line last night and Jim and I got ours this morning. No sign of Laura's yet though and she is beginning to panic a bit.

I was very busy at work today trying to tie up a lot of loose ends before I stop on Thursday WAAHH!

Today's photo is of some little PTI tins that I covered and filled with dolly mixtures. I hope you like them and of course I had to eat those that were left over lol.

Till tomorrow.

Fee x

Braving the Snow

Today I headed over to Braehead to get a few Christmas pressies. The shopping centre was busy but I managed to get quite a few things for our holiday. We are off to the Carribean for a couple of weeks and we are all looking forward to it. I promised I would take Laura back again to get a few last minute bits and pieces either tomorrow or Tuesday. She already has her case half packed which is a lot more than I have done. We are the proud owners of new passports (thank goodness they arrived) and all I have to do now is to apply on-line for the visas and I'd better do it pronto before I forget.

Yesterday Lesley brought her Cricut Expression and kindly cut out the pieces for Laura's Christmas card. I think it is really cute and I was really happy with the way it turned out. I hope you like it too.

Till later.

Fee x

Back at Last

My leg is much better now but is still a bit weak and sore at times. I took off the support bandage today to see if it would be okay and it seems to be fine. Just a little bit of swelling on it now and I can't quite bend it as well as I would like but definitely a huge improvement on how it was.

My apologies for being a bad blogger over the past few weeks but sometime life just gets in the way.

I had a lovely day today despite all the snow as the girls came over to crop. They surprised me by giving me beautiful flowers and a cake for my upcoming 40th ??? birthday. Lynn also made a beautiful card together with completed with lined envelope it was verrrrry posh although for some reason she put the wrong numbers on it. I'd like to think that I look as good as the stamped figure on it with her curves and tiny waistline but that is maybe stretching possibilities too far lol. We had each brought something so that we could have a buffet lunch and we tucked into smoked salmon blinis, sausage rolls, gateau, mince pies, cupcakes, sweets, crisps and of course my lovely birthday cake (see photos above). Lesley made the cupcakes and there were just as good as they look. We had a good time with plenty of laughs in between stuffing ourselves lol.

Till tomorrow.

Fee x

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Another freezing cold foggy day and our estate is like a skating rink. I really struggled to get out of our path this morning as my crutch wasn't making any impression on the snow and I slipped and slid my way along the street to get a lift from my colleague Iain. I took the photos above from my bedroom window before I left for work and it makes me shiver just looking at them.

When I got into work there were a few horrow stories, two of the guys who left at 5pm last night got home to Wishaw at 6am this morning. One of the girls skidded on black ice and went straight onto a busy roundabout it was a miracle that no-one hit her. She was very badly shaken when she arrived and we were all glad that she hadn't been hurt. Let's hope it gets better soon.

Catch ya later.

Fee x

AT LAST

I'm back on line. I have been having so many problems with my pc and my router that I eventually gave up and called someone in to have a look at all of our laptops and put in a new router. We now only have one laptop between three of us and the other two are being fixed and updated.

So much has happened since I last posted I really don't know where to start but here goes. Last Monday I ran an off site Assessment Centre for work. The day was a huge success and everything went extremely well. We had booked a local hotel for a dinner meeting following the days activities. The plan was to review the 13 candidates and score them so that we could offer 8 of them a position and as we would be working into the evening we could have dinner as well. However, as I was getting into my car my foot slipped (on a stone I think) and my foot went down between the kerb and the car resulting in torn ligaments in my knee. I'm now the proud owner of a huge bandage and a pair of crutches lol. Been there before and really wasn't in a hurry to repeat the experience but hey ho. I had to go to hospital and then 2 days later I was asked to attend the fracture clinic because they thought it might be broken. I have had similar type injuries in the past and think that I managed to convince the Doctor that what he saw was an old fracture. I have to go back on the 22nd so that they can look at it again. I was off work for a couple of days but am now back. I can't drive but my colleague Iain has been picking me up and dropping me off. It is quite scary to be hopping about on crutches outside with all the snow and ice we've got. Let's hope I don;t perform any more acrobatics.

Looks like my turn on the computer is over and I will have to go.

Will post soon as I have some crafty things to show.

Fee x

Soooo busy

I've had a really busy couple of days at work. I had to design an Assessment Centre for this coming Monday and it really has been a lot of work. I was due to be off on holiday tomorrow but I'll have to go in for a couple of hours at least to finish some stuff off. The good thing is that my boss is delighted with everything I've done so at least my hard work has been appreciated.

Till later.

Fee x

Beautiful Sunday

The washing was done and hung out early this morning and then I took Molly for a walk. It was a very pleasant walk along the towpath at the side of the River Leven and we took our time to enjoy the sunshine and the fresh air. This afternoon we headed up to Pets at Home for some supplies for Molly, into X-scape for a new school jacket for Laura and then we stopped off at Tony Roma's for dinner. On the way out I had a 20 minute massage at Massage and Glow and it was fab. My back and shoulders now feel really good - who was it who said "old age doesn't come alone" lol.


I also managed to sneak in some crafting time and finished the final four pages of my calendar and several Christmas cards - there is no stopping me now.


It is the PTI release night tonight and Lesley and I are getting all excited about their new stuff. The banner dies look particularly fab and I hope that we get the order placed before they run out.


Till tomorrow.


Fee x

A Fab Day Cropping

We had a really nice day today and I even managed to make a few cards (wonders will never cease lol). I used my new Lilli of the Valley stamps and I was quite pleased with the results.


The shop was quite busy too, so the day passed really quickly for me. Tonight I've been trying to catch up on my housework and have been washing and hoovering like a mad woman lol.


Jim and I also chose a new carper for our hall, stairs and landing so that should be here within the next 2 weeks YIPPEE!


Catch ya later.


Fee x

Guess who ..................

slept in for work today - yes meeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Yesterday I re-set my phone alarm for 10.55am so that I would remember the 2 minutes silence and I forgot to put it back to 6am. I'm due in work at 8am and Jim's alarm went off at 7.30am you should have seen the mad scramble to get showered and dressed and off to work. I eventually got there at 8.30am - groan. Luckily my boss wasn't around so it was okay.

One of the girls in work recently ran the New York Marathon and she was due back in work today. I made her a card to celebrate her achievement and to record her time of 3 hours 30 minutes and 18 seconds. Well done Elaine you are a star and you definitely put me to shame - I can't even run for the bus LOL.

I ordered some stash from Stampin Up recently and it arrived yesterday, I've already had a little play with my new 1 3/4" punch and some other bits and pieces. Tomorrow, I'm cropping with some friends and I'm really looking forward to it. I haven't done much scrapping recently as I've had a lot going on. Hopefully I'll get some stuff done tomorrow.

Till then.

Fee x

Ace of Cakes

I've had a busy week at work this week and thought I would put my feet up tonight and watch one of my fave programmes Ace of Cakes. I love that show and never get tired of seeing the fantastic cakes they make. Am I jealous - you bet lol. They are all so talented. Chef Duff has now brought out his own line of goodies to help us wannabees to make cakes as good as his. This photo was taken at Michaels.

My poor hubby has not been very well this week and has been allowing himself to get very stressed out. He needs to relax and focus on getting better but this has been difficult for him recently due to the actions of some really stupid people. I hope that he can chill a bit over the weekend and perhaps we can have some family time too.

Till tomorrow.

Fee x

Spot the Mistake

Yesterday I was in such a hurry to post my new stamp image that I posted the wrong one DOH! I've changed the images round and posted my fairy image on yesterday's post and the cute little teddy with the flowers today.

My friend Shona was delighted with the graduation card. Because the girl had achieved an HND in Beauty Therapy I used my Oh So Pretty Bella by Stamping Bella and some of my vintage Autumn Leaves papers.

I've been busy cooking for the freezer tonight so now have a large pot of bolognaise sauce and a roast beef joint cooling in the kitchen - smells good.

Catch ya later.

Fee x

A Bit Tired Tonight

I've had a busy day interviewing and was looking forward to making dinner then putting my feet up. Unfortunately, I was asked to make a graduation card this afternoon - for tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!

I've posted another one of my Lili of the Valley stamps that I bought at the SECC. I can see me getting a lot of use out of this. I'm not really a fairy person and there are some really gross looking fairy images around at the moment but this one was soooooooo cute I just had to have it.

Till later.

Fee x

SECC

Well I wasn't going to go the the Hobbycrafts show at the SECC today because I've been so disappointed with the last few. However, my friend Lesley texted me to invite me to go along with her and another friend Linda. Never one to refuse an invitation I spent the morning with the girls wandering around looking at craft stuff. Talk about taking coals to Newcastle I have a shop full of stuff LOL. Anyway we had a good time gabbing and rummaging around and I did buy a few things (mainly larger envelopes and cards) but I also managed to sneak in a few Lilli of the Valley stamps - they are so darn cute! I've posted a couple of the Christmas stamps that I bought. It's time to dust off the copic markers and get colouring.

I spent the rest of the day finishing off two nappy cakes and some more halloween goody bags for tonight. We have already had a few children round but I have plenty of stuff so we should be okay.

Tonight I have a pile of washing and ironing that I need to tackle (deep joy) but it won't go away so I'd better get cracking. Dinner is in the oven and I'm just snatching a few minutes on the 'puter.

Till tomorrow.

Fee x

MIA ........................

or just without internet access again lol. I really am losing the plot now and think that I'll need to look at changing my service provider. I am so fed up having to do without it for days at a time Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

I've had a very busy week so I'll give you a quick rundown.

On Thursday evening I went to the Tullochan Trust Charity Fundraising Dinner at Cameron House Hotel. Myself and my colleague Iain who is the Production Manager hosted the table and we had a fantastic time. I came rolling home at 1.30am and to cap it all I had forgotten to take my keys - you can guess how pleased Jim was with me ooops.

Friday at work I was feeling a bit fragile and when I got home after lunch I went for a little sleep. I hadn't really had much to drink but I'm blaming the champagne (which I'm not really that fond of anyway). I only began to feel better after dinner that evening but as it was self inflicted I got no sympathy anyway LOL.

On Saturday I made some cards with my friend Carol and we ate far too many biscuits but hey what's new there. I was quite tired after a busy day in the shop and I fell asleep on the sofa about 9pm. When I was sleeping my mum phoned to remind Jim to change the clocks back so he did that before he went to bed. I awoke around 2.30am and crawled into bed completely oblivious that the clocks had been changed. The next morning about 8.50am I had just stepped out of the shower when Jim got up and "reminded" me about the clocks changing. Alarm bells started ringing cos I hadn't heard anything about this and I usually read it in the paper or hear it on the news. I checked the time on my phone, the computer, and the tv and they all said it was 9.50am waaahhhhhh. I had to grab my stuff and run LOL.

On Sunday I was cropping with some friends and I made my first ever nappy cake. I've seen these on websites and had bought stuff to make one a long time ago but never got around to it. I was very pleased with the result and think I may make a few more as gifts. I also used the teddy bear image from my PTI Baby Button Bits set to make a tag to match.

On Monday I had a job interview in the afternoon but I wasn't really impressed with the Company so I don't think I will pursue the vacancy even if they ask me back for a second interview. I popped over to Livingston Designer Outlets later that night and bought Laura some hooded sweat tops and joggers from Gap. I also managed to find a pair of shoes for work for me too.

On Tuesday and Wednesday I was rushed off my feet at work and never had a minute to myself LOL. I ran a presentation skills training course and did a zillion interviews and I was glad when Wednesday was over and I could draw breath. On Wednesday evening I went to my signing class and practiced signing a few songs that we are going to do for our concert in December. I am getting better but there is such a lot to remember and my poor old brain gets a bit frazzled with it all.

On Thursday I had more interviews over at our Renfrew site so I was able to escape from the office for a while and catch my breath. I went with Jim to his GP appointment to get the results of his recent visit to the neurologist. The report has confirmed that they "think" that he hasn't had strokes at all but it is a rare form of migraine that can cause the kind of problems he has been suffering from. He is still not very good and can't really walk any distance at all and he also has fallen over a few times recently which is a new development. This may be too do with his blood pressure and they are trying to regulate this to get it as low as possible without causing him to overbalance. Fingers crossed we will start to see some progress soon.

Back to Friday again and the end of a very busy week. I managed to wash my smart card and memory card in the washing machine so they are now in pieces and I will need to buy new ones. I'm looking forward to some "me" time this weekend to recharge the batteries - here's hoping.

Till then.

Fee x

I need ...................

a haircut LOL. Seriously I am beginning to look as if I have been dragged through a hedge backwards. I have been asked by the company to host a table at the Tullochan Trust Charity Fundraising Dinner at Cameron House on Thursday evening and I can't go looking like this. I will need to phone my hairdresser tomorrow to see if she can squeeze me in.

The decorator started today and I'm really pleased with how things are going so far. Laura's room is almost finished and just needs one wall to be papered. I like the colours we chose for the hall and I always struggle with how something will look on the wall when all you can see is a little colour chart sample. Usually Jim is better at visualising what the end result will look like. He is very tired today which is probably due to being out yesterday. Although he didn't walk much the slightest exertion seems to knock the stuffing out of him and he is paying for it today.

The page I have posted today is for July and I used a set of Stampendous arrow stamps that I borrowed from my friend Lesley. They are sooooooooooooooo cute. Thanks Lesley.

Till tomorrow.

Fee x

Decorating Plans

Jim hasn't been too well over the weekend but he was feeling a bit better today so we went out today to buy some wallpaper and paint for Laura's room and our hall and stairs. Laura chose a very "pink" paper for her bedroom and we've gone for neutral colours for the hall. I just need to get the place measured up for new carpet and we're sorted LOL.

Today's photo is my calendar for the month of June. I just love the little deckchair and brolly it is sooooo cute. It's stamped using Versamark so you just get a watermark effect.

Till later.

Fee x

Thank Goodness

.............. today is over. I was delivering a training course in Edinburgh to a particularly challenging group of "crusty old men". I'm pleased to say that it all went well but I had a bit of a sleepless night beforehand worrying about it. Back to work tomorrow and I've got some interviews to do so that will keep me out of mischief lol.

I've posted my calendar page for May - hope you like it.

Bye for now.

Fee x

Laazzzzzzzy Old Me

I "bunked" off going to Zumba tonight because I was so tired when I got home from work. The reason for that is that I didn't sleep at all well last night and think that I saw every hour on the clock lol?

I've had a look at this month's PTI releases and have already mentally spent too much money. A must have for me is the Victorian Border die, Favor It 2 box and the set of Lovely Layers circular dies I also luuuurvve the new colours Pinefeather and Blueberry Sky gotta get me some of those before they all sell out.

I've posted March and April pages from my calendar and I hope you like them. Tomorrow I'm off to Edinburgh for the day (working) so I'd better get off to bed now cos I've got an early start.

Ta ta for now.

Fee x

Results from Yesterday

............. are very poor. I was not feeling like myself and struggled to do anything LOL. That'll teach me to drink alcohol when I'm not used to doing it!

I managed to stamp a few pages using my new PTI calendar stamp set. I can see lots of Christmas gift projects being made with this set. I also bought the Everyday Treats and a Wreath for all Seasons sets but haven't even opened them yet. I've uploaded the pages I did for January and February - watch this space for more LOL.

Till later.

Fee x

Feeling Slightly Delicate ....

this morning due to a slight over indulgence of food and drink yesterday. I am pleased to say the presentation went extremely well and "my boys" were fabulous. The afternoon activities were themed on Back to School complete with Headmaster, tuck shop, sports day, dressing up, various classes such as music, home economics and science and of course the dreaded school assembly where we had to sing All Things Bright and Beautiful. I'm pleased to report that our Class 2A won the home economics prize (I knew all my baking would be useful one day) and that Year 2 won the Sports Day (no thanks to me I hasten to add)The food was very good and I got home at 1am LOL. I am due to finish my contract at the end of next month and I really will be sad to leave but I suppose all good things must come to an end at some point LOL.

I'm off to do some cardmaking and/or scrapbooking today and hope to be able to post some of the results (if there are any) later.

TTFN.

Fee x

Presentation

I made another fabby chocolate fudge cake this morning and took it into work for the guys. I am working with twelve of our Apprentices at the moment on a presentation that we have to make at the company conference this Friday. A big piece of chocolate cake each helped us to pull together all the slides we need and we are now almost organised. I've booked the Boardroom again on Wednesday morning so that we can run through everything from start to finish. Fingers crossed that it all goes well. I've posted a picture of the cake to make you drool.

Part of my PTI stash this month was the calendar die and matching stamp set. I have made a couple of pages already I'll post one soon.

Till tomorrow.

Fee x

Eat, Pray, Love

Laura and I had a girls night out tonight and went over to the cinema at X-scape in Glasgow to see the new Julia Roberts movie, Eat, Pray, Love. We both enjoyed the movie (and the popcorn). We also met up with my friend Lesley so that she could give me this month's PTI goodies. I went a bit OTT and bought 4 sets of stamps, bakers twine, 3 dies, calendars, etc. and I am desperate to try them out LOL.

Lesley and I did some cardmaking yesterday and I had been asked by the girls in work to make a birthday card for the Managing Director whose birthday is tomorrow. He plays the saxophone (rather well I'm told) and I thought it would be fun to do a little Sizzix person complete with saxophone. Here is a photo of my efforts.

Till later.

Fee x

Happy Birthday Card

I was asked to make a card for the boyfriend of one of the girls at work. I struggled a bit with this one because she wanted a photo of them on the front of it and there was to be no green on it anywhere. I eventually came up with this and used some vintage SEI that I had in my stash. I hope you like it or more importantly I hope he likes it LOL.

Bye for now.

Fee x

Star Struck

More baking, I really have mastered Nigella's chocolate fudge cake now. I didn't have time to fiddle about making chocolate curls so I scattered on some chocolate stars I just happened to have in the cupboard. I took it into work and it disappeared in no time at all and it tasted as fantastic as it looked LOL.

Till later.

Fee x

Mummy's Little Helper

As I said yesterday, Molly very often "helps" with the laundry. This photo is one that was taken when she helped herself to a bra that was in the tumble drier. I wonder what my neighbours must think when they see my underwear strewn about the place LOL.

TTFN

Fee x

Internet Troubles (again)

Well I've been internetless since the last time I posted and it has been driving me nuts LOL. Thankfully it seems to be fine now but the problem seems to have stemmed from when we got Sky HD installed.

I've been busy doing the invitations for my friend Janette's nieces 21st birthday and I finished off another 25 tonight so just 75 more to go and then I'm done WHEW!

My poor hubby Jim is still not very well. We went to see the Consultant Neurologist last week but unfortunately he was not a very nice man and his bedside manner left a lot to be desired. We have asked for a referral to another Consultant so now we have to wait. The only positive thing to come from the appointment was that he could not see anything "sinister" in the brain. That doesn't mean that he is in the clear but rather that they can't identify what is causing the problems.

I made a fantastic choccy fudge cake last night and took it into work and it was demolished. Thank goodness for my new best friend Nigella Lawson.

I've posted a photo of Molly "helping" to do the laundry. She is a little minx and has a fascination for laundry especially dirty laundry. I can't tell you the amount of times she has raided the laundry hamper and taken bras and knickers out into the back garden.

Till later.

Fee x

Where Did This Week Go?

I can't believe it is the weekend again, the days just seem to fly by. I've now recovered from my Zumba antics on Tuesday but it took me a couple of days because I am soooo unfit. I've also bought large bottles of Evian water for Laura and I to take with us next week because the little ones we took this week were finished in no time. I think I'll take a little hand towel with me too whether or not that is to wipe the sweat from my brow or the tears from my eyes I really don't know LOL.

On Wednesday evening Laura and I went to our Signing Class. I am still very much a novice at this but I am trying to keep up. It's just my elderly brain that has a problem remembering it all. Anyway they say practice makes perfect and I hope that is correct and it will all come together soon.

On Thursday I took my mum to the funeral of one of her oldest friends and she was quite upset. After the commital and the crematorium, the minister said that there was a piece of music that Margaret had left strict instructions should be played at her funeral. It was a version of the Lords Prayer and it was very uplifting and seemed to be her final words to us all. She was a lovely lady and quite a character and I will remember with fondness and a smile.

Friday was a difficult day as I had to dismiss someone at work, it is the most trying part of my job but there was no alternative. In the afternoon I took Jim to his physiotheraphy appointment but he wasn't very well and was only able to do one or two exercises before he was in too much pain to continue. His appointment with the consultant at the Southern General Hospital has been brought forward to this Tuesday and I hope that he will be able to give us a clear diagnosis of the problem and also some sort of plan of the way forward.

I've posted another one of my PTI creations that I made last week. The images are from Everyday Button Bits and I used new leaf paper for the background. The dark chocolate cardstock I ran through my birds and swirls cuttlebug embossing folder to add some texture. The twill is spring moss and I just lurve the Melissa Frances buttons for the flowers. I think I am going through my butterfly phase at the moment LOL. I hope you like it.

TTFN.

Fee x

It's Zumba Time

Tonight my crazy idea was to go to a Zumba class and take Laura with me. So off we trotted full of enthusiasm and just over an hour later we were back red faced, hot, sweaty and absolutely exhausted LOL. We did have a good time and it was fun. Due to my back problem there were some moves that I just couldn't do very well but I did try very hard (honestly). I was so glad to get home and jump in the shower and then put my feet up. Roll on next week.

Fee x

Quiet Time

Today I tried to have some quiet time to myself and do some card making. Unfortunately I kept getting interrupted so I wasn't as productive as I could have been. I did however, manage to make 3 cards using some more of my PTI stash. One of them was a sympathy card for an old friend of my mum's who passed away late on Friday evening. I struggled a bit with the colour combinations because I don't have all the colours of cardstock and ink to match but I did my best and I was quite pleased with the result. I also used my Butterfly Dreams stamps and matching die for the very first time (at long last I hear you say). I hope you like it.

More tomorrow - until then.

Fee x

Wedding Layout

One of the ladies who works in our Canteen has a daughter who got married recently and she had brought in some photographs to let us see. The girl (Carrie) looked really beautiful and so happy in the photos that I sneakily scanned some and used one of them to do a layout for her. I used paper from the Bo Bunny Persuasion range and stamped the phrase "A day to remember" and popped it into a frame that I had in my Craft Room. She was sooooo touched and said that it was the nicest thing that anyone had ever done for her (aw bless). She gave me a lovely box of chocolates as a thank you and we munched them in the office in double quick time.


Another girl at work (Namdeep) has been to several Asian weddings recently and I am desperate to try and do a layout with one of the photos she has. The dresses and the colours were fantastic and I think they would be lovely on a layout.


Till tomorrow.


Fee x

A Papertrey Creation

I made a beautiful christening card for my friend Shona who is going to a christening this Sunday. I was really pleased with it and used some of my precious Melissa Frances paper and topped it off with a little white bible with a silver cross made from a Sizzlits die. I twinkled the bible with glamour dust and it was so pretty. I also cut out the baby's name. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to take a photo so you will just have to take my word for it.

The card I've posted today is one I made using some of my friend Lesley's PTI stamps. I particularly like the tree and the twine and the paper, and the kraft cardstock and the felt and the swarovski crystals - in fact all of it LOL.

I hope you like it too.

Till tomorrow.

Fee x

Internet Problems

I've been missing in action due to being unable to access the internet. We decided to upgrade our Sky to HD which is something we've been meaning to do for a long time. I wished that I had never bothered because the Engineer knackered my internet access and we had to get him back out today to fix it. I could have cheerfully choked him LOL. Anyway I'm now back online and hopefully my problems are over.

I thought I would share a card I made a couple of weeks ago using my precious PTI stash. I hope you like it.

TTFN

Fee x

I can't believe it is Saturday again LOL. The week has just flown by. Last night I was at a charity quiz and I'm happy to report our team won YIPPEE. I'm now the proud owner of a gold coloured plastic medal and a box of Cadbury's Heroes.

I've posted another couple of samples of the 21st birthday invitations, I wonder what she will choose.

Today I'm off to scrap with some friends so I'd better get a move on. More later.

Fee x

Birthday Party Invitations

I've been asked to make 150 invitations for my friends niece's 21st birthday. She is having a ceilidh so she wanted something with a Scottish theme. I've made a few samples and have sent them off but thought I would share a couple with you. I hope you like them.

Till later.

Fee x

Apologies ............

............... for not being able to post for a few days I've just been very busy with life in general. I've also had a lot on at work and although I enjoy my job I've been working so hard I've fallen fall asleep watching tv every night. I think I'll need try to get out of the office on time this week so that I can catch up on the domestic chores side of things.

On Saturday my friends Val and Lesley came over and we had some crafting time. Val and I weren't very productive but Lesley managed to churn out quite a few lovely cards. The usual biscuits, pancakes and chat were the order of the day and we had a nice time.

Yesterday, Laura and I started to clear out some of my kitchen cupboards. As usual there was lots of stuff that had got pushed to the back of the cupboard and had to go in the bin. Laura was a fantastic help and we got the job done in no time at all. Perhaps we will tackle the other side of the kitchen next week LOL.

Today's layout is one I completed last week and it is a picture of Laura on holiday in Majorca in 2008. The cardstock is Be Loved from My Mind's Eye. I used the little doilies on this layout too and coloured them using PTI Vintage Cream Ink as it was a perfect match for the paper. The little metal charm is from my stash and I think it just finishes it off. I hope you like it.

TTFN.

Fee x

Signing Class

Laura's signing class started again tonight and (as they were looking for some adult members) in a mad moment I decided to join too. The group are called Signs and Wonders and they sign songs to music. It is beautiful to watch and I have always loved to see Laura signing in this way. I hope my old brain can keep up with the young uns though LOL.

Today's card was made using Chatterbox papers and the stamp is one of my favourites from the Unity Stamp Company.

TTFN

Fee x

Baby Card

I thought I would share the card that I made recently for my friend Margaret's new grandson Zac. The paper is from My Little Bicycle Baby Boy Safari range. I've used Lesley's new PTI ticket die and stamp set (again) I hope you like it. Off to do some baking now. Till tomorrow.

My apologies for the poor photographs.

Till later.

Fee x

A Scrappin Good Day

I spent this afternoon scrapping with Margaret, Izzy Lesley and Val. Poor Sandra was supposed to join us but she slipped in work last week and has hurt her leg and is now on crutches so she can't drive. We missed you Sandra and we also missed the fab choccy biccys you normally bring with you LOL. Get well soon.

Lesley was very productive today and made quite a few lovely cards. Luckily for us she also made a lovely banana loaf as well and we managed to scoff it between us. I managed to do a couple of layouts using cardstock from the My Mind's Eye Be Loved collection. I hope you like the one I've posted today. This photo of Laura and I was taken in Majorca in July 2008 and it is one of my favourites. I also love the ticket die and stamp set from PTI it actually belongs to Lesley but she let me have a little play. The little doilies are another little item belonging to Lesley. I did ink the doilies with a Brilliance Inkpad in pearescent poppy - cute or what?

Till tomorrow.

Fee x

Safely Back ..............

from a mostly sunny Cumbria. I had a great time with the guys and they have learned such a lot. I suppose that training and development activities are the nicer side of HR LOL. I even surprised myself by climbing 25 feet up a ladder (I hate ladders and won't even go up into the loft) so that was quite an achievement for me. I took lots of photos of the troops doing the various activities including when they were out on Lake Windermere in whaling boats. I sunbathed from the safety of the safety boat while they all got hot and sweaty rowing about the lake looking for clues. My accommodation was fantastic and far superior to the dormitories the guys were in - in fact it was a standing joke that my room was 5 star compared to their boy scout accommodation. I also managed to have a few wee drinkies in the bar (just to be sociable). I was really sorry to have to travel back before the end of the week and they did try to get me to stay but I thought I'd better get home and get Laura ready for going back to school.


I went into ASDA today to burn a CD from my camera memory card and approximately 1 hour later left the store. That will teach me not to store so many photos on my card.


Tomorrow evening I'm supposed to be going to a charity football match and then on a Booze Cruise on Loch Lomond with some other people from work. Can you see a trend developing here LOL? Jim has not been very good today so we'll see how he is tomorrow.

Catch ya'll later.

Fee x

Still Packing

It's just after 6.30am and I'm up but still have a lot to do before I can leave for the Lake District. Molly has been fed, watered and walked so now it's my turn LOL. I'd better get a move on or the coach will leave without me.

I hope you like today's layout. I've used the Petal Pushers range from Bo Bunny again (well I need to get my moneys worth LOL). The photos were taken on holiday in Florida in 2008 where Laura was cooling off in the water jets while Jim and I looked on enviously.

Bye for now and wish me luck (I think I just might need it).

Fee x

Getting Ready .....................

to go off on my travels tomorrow. I'm off to Ambleside in Cumbria for a few days with 12 Apprentices who are doing a Leadership Skills Training Course at Brathay Hall. It is an outward bound activity type course and I don't know if I'm looking forward to it or not. A break away from normal day to day life will be good but I hope I don't end up dangling off a cliff or something - I think I'm getting a bit too old for that type of high jinks LOL.

I made a baby card today but I haven't got around to photographing it yet.

Ta ta for now Fee x

Molly's First Outing / Welcome Baby Zac

Today was the day when Molly was allowed out of the garden for the first time. She hasn't quite got the idea yet that she is supposed to do her "business" when she is out for a walk and she seems to hang onto it until she gets back home LOL. I suppose she will learn in time.

The layout I've posted is another one using the Petal Pushers paper range from Bo Bunny. This photo was taken at Aquatica Water Park in Florida in May 2008.

Congratulations to my friend Margaret and her husband John, they have both just become grandparents for the very first time. I'm looking forward to seeing some photographs soon.

Till tomorrow.

Fee x

Howdy Folks ................

just checking in for a few minutes before going to bed. I am sooooo tired tonight - probably due to the fact that I was up until 1.30am this morning. I baked and then started to watch Robson Green in Wire in the Blood. It was an old episode but it was one that I had missed and I really do like him as an actor. I came home at lunchtime to whip the cream for the pavlovas and Laura helped me to do that and also to decorate them with fresh raspberries YUMMY!

The baking was well received and everyone enjoyed it. Next week it's Lynn's turn to provide the goodies and I'm looking forward to that.

I've posted another layout this time using cardstock from My Mind's Eye. This photo of Jim was taken at Loch Lomond Shores in June this year. I think it is a good likeness of Jim and I like the fact that you can see Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond in the background. The flourishes and post marks are stamps by Autumn Leaves.

Byeeeeeee for now.

Fee x

Puppy Love

The title of this layout says it all. The paper is vintage (old) Ki Memories and I've had it for ages so it was nice to be able to put it to good use at last. The photo is really sweet with Molly cuddling into Jim's shoulder.

I took a half day holiday today to take Laura to buy some more school stuff. Her friend Jenny came with us and we shopped till we dropped. ~When I say dropped I mean dropped into Costa Coffee for smoothies, hot chocolate with cream and a selection of cupcakes LOL. Rocky road cupcakes were the flavour of the day and Laura and Jenny quickly scoffed theirs. I was left wishing that I had ordered one instead of the lemon one I had.

It's my turn to provide the home baking in the office tomorrow so I've been busy baking tonight. I have two pavlovas ready for the cream and fruit to be added tomorrow morning and I'm just off to rustle up a couple of fruit loaves to go with them. I'd better get a move on or I'll be up all night.

TTFN

Fee x

Sunny Sunday

Today was a beautiful sunny day and I managed to get two loads of washing out and dried YIPPEE! Molly has taken issue with the church bells which are just across the river from us and they ring from 9.50am until 10am and she barked almost constantly during that time. Jim picked her up to try to stop her barking and all she did was modify the bark into a grumpy little "RUFF" until he put her down then she went nuts again.

My friend Lesley was due to come down for a visit today but due to some crazy roadwork situation on the Erskine Bridge she spent most of the afternoon on the M8 and didn't make it. Never mind Lesley we can catch up next weekend.

The layout I've posted today is one that I did yesterday. I used the new Petal Pushers range from Bo Bunny which is lovely, bright and very girly and I think you will see quite a bit of this on the blog soon cos I've got quite a lot of photos that would suit this range.

Till tomorrow.

Fee x

Kisses from Molly

I was scrapping today with some friends and was quite productive (for a change) and managed to do four layouts. I brought Molly to the shop to let the girls see her. She was on her best behaviour apart from having a little wind LOL. She got thoroughly spoiled by everyone and enjoyed plenty of cuddles. The photo above was taken a couple of weeks ago in the back garden and she was trying to lick my face.

Catch ya later.

Fee x

Thank Crunchie It's Friday

Molly was a good girl at the vet today and didn't make a squeak when she got her jag. She did however, throw up during the 2 minute car journeys to and from the vets - poor wee thing she definitely doesn't like travelling in the car.

Laura has gone swimming with her friend Jenny tonight. I'm pleased she is doing something because it hasn't been easy for her during the holidays with me working and Jim not being able to do much with her.

I'm taking it easy tonight but I've got a notion to try out a recipe I spotted recently in the Hummingbird Bakery Cook Book but I'll see how I feel after I've picked Laura up later on.

Till later.

Fee x

Pretty Flowers at Luss

Here is a layout I completed recently. The paper is by Prima and is from their Watercolour collection. The flowers and the pearl and diamante swirl are also from Prima. These photographs were taken in the early morning before the usual coach loads of tourists appeared. Normally the main street through the village is crowded and it's difficult to take a photo without people popping up all over the place LOL. I also liked the rub ons I used for the title, they are by Making Memories and were a bit of a bargain buy (£2).

Today was busy, busy, busy and I hopped from meeting to meeting all day. I've got so much to do tomorrow I don't think I'll be able to get half of it done but I'll try anyway.

Molly gets her second jag tomorrow afternoon and then we have to wait another week before she can get out and mix with other dogs. We are all looking forward to taking her for a walk on her lead. She is not very happy to wear it but I'm sure she will get used to it.

Catch ya tomorrow.

Fee x

Beautiful Bridesmaids

Whew I've been really busy at work today and just seemed to go from meeting to meeting all day and tomorrow looks like it will be more of the same. I also took Jim to see the consultant again and because of the increased problems with his leg and arm he has to go for yet another MRI scan. He also promised to chase the appointment for the neurology department as we have been waiting for about 6 weeks for this. Let's hope it comes through soon and we get some answers.

I've posted a layout I did recently using some Bo Bunny Alissa papers that I had left over. The photograph is of my nieces Lynne (now 22) and Jan (now 28) at our wedding in March 1994. I hope you like it.

We are having a Bake a Cake Competition in work every Wednesday. It is loosely based on the programme Come Dine with Me and we score each others efforts. Last week it was Jacqueline's turn and she made individual cheesecakes with fresh strawberries on top - YUMMY! Today it was Namdeep's turn and she made an eggless Carrot and Walnut Cake. It was lovely and very light. It is my turn next week and I'm still faffing about thinking about what to make. They have already had my pavlova, carrot cake, fruit loaf and chocolate fudge cake so I really need to make something different. I'm contemplating making a red velvet cake but I may need to have a practice run first. The other things I thought about were shortbread or chocolate brownies. I haven't made any of these before so I will definitely need to have a go.

Gotta go now. C U tomorrow.

Fee x

Yoo Hoo I'm Back

At long last. I've had no internet access for about three weeks and it has been driving me nuts. I could not figure out what the problem was and I have tried absolutely everything to fix it and ended up making it worse instead of better. Fingers crossed it's fixed now.

So to catch up:

Work is going well and I am mega busy.

It looks as if my contract will be extended until November.

I'm going off to Cumbria for a few days soon to supervise on a leadership course for twelve of our Apprentices.

Jim is not really any better and he is fed up not being able to drive.

He is still waiting on an appointment with the neurologist.

We are off to the hospital tomorrow for an appointment with the Consultant.

I'm putting on weight again (cos I'm eating breakfast in the Canteen - fab bacon rolls though).

Molly is getting bigger and cheekier by the day.

My scrapbooking mojo has disappeared and I'm struggling to get anything done.

Laura is turning day into night by staying up late then not getting up till the afternoon.

Her hormones are raging like a typical teenager LOL.

I think she is getting a bit bored with the holidays but would never admit it.

Last night (at 10pm) Laura and I decided to bake. We had been looking through some of my cook books and spotted a recipe for Chocolate Fudge Cake courtesy of Nigella Lawson. There were one or two ingredients that I didn't have in the cupboard so I did a quick trip to our local ASDA and was back ready to start baking at 10.30pm. I rustled up two fabulous cakes in double quick time and then headed for bed. This morning I made the buttercream icing and, as if any more calories were required, I grated dark chocolate over the top. I left half of it at home for Jim and Laura and took the other half into work and we scoffed it. I didn't even have time to take a photograph LOL. I hope you like the photo of Jim with Molly she really is getting bigger every day.

Off to bed now cos I'm exhausted.

Till tomorrow.

Fee x

More Molly Photos

We had a replay of the 2010 World Cup in the garden today with the two little footballs I bought for Molly to play with and she had great fun with them. We are going through puppy training pads like crazy but I suppose I should be grateful that she is not leaving us little messages on the floor. She is settling in well and seems happy to be part of the family.

I've been checking out the new PTI releases but can't make up my mind what I would like. Actually I should maybe use some of the stuff I've already bought first LOL.

Till tomorrow.

Fee x