Susie2shoes

It is Beginning to Look Like Panic

2011-12-01T22:48:00.001Z

Christmas is 24 day away and I'm starting to panic. I had good intentions but it just crept up and bit me on the behind. I blame it on the wonderful Autumn we've enjoyed this year.

I have two more craft items to make and then I'm done with the hand made stuff. If only I could make all my Christmas gifts then I'd be happy. Oh well there is still plenty of time.

Tanya Whelan

2011-10-01T12:49:00.007+01:00

I am a huge fan of Tanya Whelan's fabrics and simply can't get enough of them. I'm thrilled to see she has a book coming out on 27th December 2011.

So for all those who will have received vouchers or money over Christmas, this will be the perfect way to treat yourself. I know for sure you won't be disappointed.

Just click on link below of Tanya's book to be taken to her Website Grand Revival.

http://grandrevivaldesign.typepad.com/grand_revival_design/

Cupcakes

2010-11-10T22:22:00.001Z

June Garden

2010-06-07T19:15:00.003+01:00

I thought I would post a few photos of my garden. I've neglected my blog for a very long time, I'm afraid I discovered the dreaded Facebook.

Lonnie's Graduation Day

2009-07-11T20:42:00.001+01:00

Jalbum

Shared via AddThis

Graduation Day

2009-06-27T14:51:00.001+01:00

I'm a Naughty Blogger

2009-04-22T12:35:00.017+01:00

I'm so sorry I haven't blogged for a while, life just takes over and takes hold! I do pop in and visit all my lovely blog friends to see how you are doing as often has I can. My illness holds me back sometimes and I don't really have much to say and you certainly do not want to hear me moan, I'm sure! I've been so tied up with family just recently and the blessed garden has started to grow now that Spring is here, so I really haven't had time for extra stuff. Now that Lonnie's birthday is over and she is coming to the end of her last year at Uni, which is a real blessing, I should have more time for me.

I was tidying up some old files on another computer and came across this lovely movie I made for my sister's 40th birthday.

The music I chose for the video is by Corinne Bailey Rae and is called 'Butterfly'. I just love the words as they say exactly how I felt towards my little sister, who is 10 years younger than me, as we were growing up in our Mother's house.

In my mother's house

There's a photograph

Of a day gone past

Always makes me laugh

There's a little girl

Wary of the world

She got much to learn

Get her fingers burned

An affinity

Between you and me

Coz we're family

Said that I'd be fine

Give me all your time

And I left your side

Like a butterfly

Shower me with your love

All of everyday

You make the red rose sun

Shine on me

Lift me up so high

Watch me fly away

Would you give me life

Like a butterfly

In my mother's house

There was happiness

I wrapped my myself in it

Was my chrysalis

As my life unfolds

See a pattern through

Of you protecting me

And I protecting you

What was that you'd say

Make your own mistakes

And when you're grown

Make sure that you remain the same

Now I realise

What was on your mind

When I left your side

Like a butterfly

Shower me with your love

All of everyday

You make the red rose sun

Shine on me

Lift me up so high

Watch me fly away

Give me life

Like a butterfly

Lonnie's Birthday

2009-04-16T21:23:00.000+01:00

A New Member of The Family

2009-03-21T15:44:00.000Z

My nephew Daniel and his wife Charlotte have had a beautiful baby boy, George Daniel Gould. I remember just how nervous the poor lad was on his wedding day. I also remember saying to him that if he though this was a trying day just wait until he was awaiting the birth of his first baby. I wish all three of them well.

I am delighted to announce the arrival of George Daniel Gould, who was born at 12.43 this afternoon weighing 7lb 5 oz :) Mum is doing OK, bit tired and weak but very happy. Dad is an emotional wreck and very happy also.'

19th March 2009

My Nephew's First Scrap Page

2009-03-20T20:33:00.003Z

This is the best scrap page I've seen in a long time. It was created by my cute little nephew Max who is five. Well done my darling, I couldn't agree with you more regarding the wording on the page.

Hugs

I like Mom and Jess and Dad and the how ever is in my family

The Journey

2009-03-12T21:56:00.006Z

Music:- Simon Webbe No Worries

I was going through some old photographs and I came across a trio of snaps of my son Jamie. The size and quality were very poor, but I still wanted to do something with them. I fiddled around with them in Animation Workshop and then pulled the results into Movie Maker, chopped up a bit of music I liked in Gold Wave and added it to the movie and voilà, this is what I came up with it. I had great fun and I really like it because it is so different.

Those Eyes

2009-03-04T23:02:00.000Z

QP Spring Romance QP created by Cheryl
using Spring Romance Kit by Vicki - A Work in Progress

font:- Cancellaresca Script LET

Sonnet 17 - William Shakespeare

I just could not resist snagging this gorgeous QP. I wanted to focus on my daughter's beautiful eyes and I think this layout is just perfect for it.

I love Shakespeare plays and sonnets and number 17 is one of my favourites. Here it is in all it's glory.

Who will believe my verse in time to come,

If it were fill'd with your most high deserts?

Though yet, heaven knows, it is but as a tomb

Which hides your life and shows not half your parts.

If I could write the beauty of your eyes

And in fresh numbers number all your graces,

The age to come would say 'This poet lies:

Such heavenly touches ne'er touch'd earthly faces.'

So should my papers yellow'd with their age

Be scorn'd like old men of less truth than tongue,

And your true rights be term'd a poet's rage

And stretched metre of an antique song:

But were some child of yours alive that time,

You should live twice; in it and in my rhyme.

I've Been Tagged

2009-02-27T19:28:00.007Z

I have been tagged by Eilajean over at 'A Day in The Life'. Thank you for thinking of me Eila. Well here is what I have to do:

I have to go to My Pictures, (in my case My Photo's) go to the 6th folder and then to the 6th picture in the folder and post the photo here on my blog.

This is a very beaten up photo of my Grandad, Harry Henry & Grandma, Bertha Rose on their wedding day on the 9th April 1928. I never got to meet either of them as Grandma died at the age of 27 when my Mom was only 3 years old, and my grandad passed away when I was just 21 days old. I can't remember who the bridesmaids are in the photo. I shall have to ask my Mom again as I've mislaid the notes I took previously. I know they are on this silly computer somewhere!

I am supposed to pass this on to 6 other scrappers, but Eila has nabbed a couple of the ladies I would have passed it on to and others I know seem to be up to their eyes in 'stuff' at the moment. So I'm going to be cheeky and just pass it on to anyone who reads this blog and would like to participate.

However, I will pass this on to June at Cen's Loft as I know she is extremely organised and I'm keen to see what she has to post. have fun June and everyone who wants to participate.

I'm off to eat my yummy fish and chip supper. Have a great weekend.

Happy 80th Birthday Dad

2009-02-22T17:02:00.008Z

It would have been my Dad's 80th Birthday today, if he had lived to celebrate it. Sadly I lost him 21 years ago when he was just 57, the age my hubby Steve is now. I have so many questions I long to ask him, about his life and the stories he told me as a child, it is such a sadness to me that he's gone. If only he had kept a journal, and then I could read it and possibly have caught a glimpse of the man he was, young and old.

Created with 'My Blue Valentine'
a beautiful kit by Vicki Acreman (AKA Bubbles Babbles)
http://txbubbles-bubblesbabbles.blogspot.com

Font:- Calligraph421 BT

Alex & Jessica

2009-02-20T20:42:00.000Z

My Sisters, Lily & Let, each had their first child within 18 months of each other, pretty much the same age difference between my brother and I. Needless to say they are close and see each other regularly. This is my favourite photograph of them both and I think it looks great in Nicole's fab QP.

Thanks to Vicki & Nicole using "Sweet Flora" Colab kit. "Sweet Love" QP by Nicole

Fonts:- 2Peas Gimme Coffee & 2Peas Boulevard

Backing Up Your Blog

2009-02-10T21:52:00.007Z

Go to http://draft.blogger.com/home and logon.

You will now be on your Dashboard page with a list of the blog or blogs you have created.

You will see here an option to make Blogger in Draft your default dashboard. Please bear in mind that if you tick this box when you post to your blog there is no longer a spellchecker. Perhaps Google presumes you have Google toolbar which incorporates a spellchecker, but I think it’s an oversight on their part.

Select the blog you want to edit and click settings.

You will see next to Blog Tools the option to either Import, Export or Delete Blog. click Export blog and save it to a safe place on your computer.

This will only export the contents of your blog, it won’t save your layout or widgets.

To save you layout click the Layout tab

Now click Edit HTML

Click Download Full Template and save the xml file to your computer.

NB Both your Template File and your Backup Blog file both have xml extensions, so be sure to store them in different files when saving to your computer.

So Far So Good

2009-02-10T18:35:00.004Z

Well I think the layout is back to it old look. Although to be honest I would have liked to have freshened it up a bit. I'm going to go through my layouts tomorrow and see what I posted. I won't remember the words I blogged, but that's the beauty of creating scrapbooks as the picture tell the story and more often than not, no words are needed.

Going to back up my blog after posting this email and then I'm going to take a couple of headache tablets 'cus my head is pounding like crazy.

Big Hugs

Please bear with me

2009-02-10T15:23:00.003Z

I'm so sorry if my rubbish keeps popping up on your blogs whilst I try to put my blog back to how it was, but if you could just bear with me I would be everso grateful. I will be spending most of the rest of the day twiddling and fiddling with it. I have the photo's and layouts I've blogged backed up, but unfortunately not the credits, so I can't re post them until I've done a bit or research.

I will be writing a little 'tute', to tell you how to back up your blog in a little while... but honestly do you trust me after this?

I just wanted to send another hug to Vicki's Mom, LaVerne and to let her know I'm still holding her in my thoughts.

Big Hugs

Ouch!

2009-02-10T14:23:00.000Z

I am a idiot, I accidentally deleted my blog. Fortunately it was backed up but only until November last year. Silly me. So if it looks as if I've got a few things missing or have doubled up on things here and there it's because I have. Let this be a warning and back up your blog weekly.

Hugs

It's Begining to Feel a Lot Like ....

2009-02-06T16:47:00.000Z

... a Pain in The Rear!

Winter Wonderland QP and Elements Anita's Designs
font: !Basket of Hammers

Hampshire County Council only grit the main roads in our area and unfortunately our road isn't one of them, so we've not been able to get off our drive and do any shopping for the last five days. We've been living off the contents of our freezer, eating all the left over food from Christmas. I shall scream if I have to eat another mini pizza, which taste like plastic. And I'm going to be marmalised and buried under the snow if I make another meal using mince!

Happy Birthday

2009-02-01T17:14:00.001Z

Bold Fun QP and Elements by Anita's Designs

Fonts: 2Peas Blessings - and 1 BeanSprout DNA

There is only 18 months difference between my big brother and I. He was always very good to me as a child, even though It must have been a real pain to have his little sister tagging along on most occasions. I don't see so much of him these days as we live quite a way from each other. He is a fantastic brother, a brilliant dad and a wonderful grandad. Happy birthday 'Big Bro', I love and miss you so much.

Bug Hugs

Dissertation Blues

2009-01-23T20:03:00.000Z

Flower Show QP and Elements by Anita's Designs

Fonts: 2!Basket of Hammers - 2Peas Angelic

Lonnie has been studying for her BA Hons degree in Business Studies & Marketing for over four years now. This last final push has taken its toll. But she will get through it, hook or by crook. I have never known a more determined person to get something done. She will do it, and hopefully look back on this period in her life and say, "yes, it was worth it."

A New Member of the Family

2008-12-30T13:14:00.002Z

QP Baby Robin by Lynn Griffin - Baby Ellement by RachNess - wordart - Janniscraps Font - Calligraphic

Welcome to little Ellis Scott, he is my cousin Sally's daughter's new baby boy. I did tell you we have a very large and extended family didn't I. There where a few tricky moments at his birth but he is now thriving and is soooo cute.

Christmas 2008 at the Gould's

2008-12-25T14:00:00.001Z

Kit by Jennifer Schmitt Home For The Holidays - QP created by ChrissW

font: 2Peas 4th of July

We had a wonderful day. I just wished it lasted a little bit longer. Lonnie received a pair of Ugg boots from Joe her boyfriend and was thrilled. I was a happy bunny as well, as my gifts included more RAM for my laptop and a 250 gig HD, oh heaven! Can you hear it purring? Or is that me! I was also given books by my favourite authors, Patricia Cornwell (dark) and Janet Evanovich (funny). To top it all off I received a couple of games for the Wii. How lucky am I?

Diazepam Fog

2008-11-25T14:03:00.000Z

I'm blogging in bed today as my body as thrown a hissy fit after yesterday. I've taken my last two tablets of Diazepam and it's knocked back the pain a little bit, I'm feeling slightly mellow and at peace with the world (you've got to love Diazepam). I've just got off the phone to my GP and she's given me some more thankfully. This STUPID horrible disease, Fibromyalgia, can get you down and a lot more research needs to be done on it.

A friend of mine asked me what the pain was really like. I said I could show her better than describe it to her and she said fine go ahead and that she had a high pain threshold. After I gave her a Chinese burn on her wrist and she stopped whimpering she said that she now understood how I felt. She backed off when I said that I was going to do it again in all the other main parts of her body.

For those who don't know what a Chinese burn is, it where you grab the 'victim's' forearm or wrist in two hands, and twist the skin in opposite directions, a bit like wringing out a wet dishcloth!

London was beautiful in the winter sunshine. I walked along the Thames past the London Eye with the sun in my face, which was wonderful. I watched all the tourist taking photo's and soaking up the atmosphere. I guess when you see something all the time you take it all for granted. The London Eyes was stunning back washed by a beautiful blue sky. It really is a fantastic piece of engineering.

QP created by Vicki Acreman (Bubbles Babbles)

Using "True Blue" kit designed by Vicki Parker, "A work in progress"

Thanks to both of the wonderful Vicki's, they are so kind and giving.

Just a Quick Post

2008-11-24T22:32:00.000Z

Bear by Cutecolors

Just a very quick post to say hi to anyone passing by my little old blog. I had to go to London today to St Thomas' Hospital, (Tommy's) for an evaluation to see if I'm suitable to go on their Pain Management Program at the INPUT clinic. It was a bit of a waste of time as it was just a talk and a Powerpoint Presentation which was exactly the same as what is on the website and in the handouts given to me at my first appointment! It's left me exhausted and in a good deal of pain, OUCH!

I will post again soon, sometime this week. I going to try and get an early night and spend tomorrow resting and scrapping Hurrah!

Hugs

A Few Nuts - aka My Sisters

2008-11-14T19:10:00.000Z

QP by Melinda created using Creative Dreams' Beautiful World kit
font used on tag:- 2Peas Beef Broccoli

Shropshire Weekend

2008-11-11T22:31:00.000Z

The views from the Stockbridge Granary where we stayed at the weekend were stunning, here are a few of the photographs I took at the weekend from our bedroom windows.

Thank You

2008-11-11T12:52:00.000Z

Many thanks to all who sent birthday wishes to me yesterday, it really made my day. I had a really 'wicked' birthday weekend I couldn't have asked for better. I laughed until I cried, ate until I thought I was going to burst and cried because I didn't want the weekend to end.

The 'Granary', was super. All the bedrooms had en-suit and the rooms were beautifully furnished. The only snag was that the place was huge so we were all exhausted having to walk miles to get from the kitchen to the bedrooms!

The weather wasn't too bad on Friday and Saturday and we managed to have a fireworks display on the Saturday evening as planned. We roasted a huge leg of pork and we ate it on soft rolls with homemade stuffing and apple sauce, yum! Then we all piled outside for the fireworks. We asked the neighbouring house if they wouldn't mind if we set off a few fireworks and they said it was okay, but I don't think they expected the show of pyrotechnics we put on, they where awesome. We had only one misfortune when the stick of one of the rockets snapped off and only went up about 20 feet, arghhh my ears are still ringing!

Earlier in the day we went to Ironbridge, Telford in Shropshire, the birthplace of the "Industrial Revolution" and the site of the first iron bridge in the world which was built in 1777-79 by Abraham Darby III and designed by Thomas Pritchard in 1775. I didn't go over the bridge because I have a phobia of bridges! But I did take some photo's and so did Lonnie my daughter. Here is a stunning view of the bridge looking over the river Severn.

Iron Bridge Shropshire, England

I'll post a few more photo later in the week as I haven't had time to go through them all yet.

Sunday was very wet and windy so we decided to stay in, some of us played cards, others just chilled and read or watched TV and kept the fire fed with logs. We all chipped in to make tea as we didn't want to go out into the awful weather. It's amazing what you can do with a bit of Bree, pate, cold leftover baked potatoes, sausages and onions. We made a meal for 15 for pennies and there was plenty of it to.

The journey home was hell though as the fields and roads were flooded, trees were down and there were a number of accidents on the road. It took over three hours to get back to Hampshire. But it was all part of the adventure and certainly something for us to talk about over supper for months to come.

Next year we want to go to the Cotswold's, we have our work cut out for us though as there will be 19 of us going in 2009.

I can't wait, I love my family so much!

Hugs

Scrap N Art

2008-11-07T12:20:00.000Z

Credits:-'Merry Mistletoe' Kit - by Vicki Parker and Chere Nordstrand Designed for Scrap N' Art

This is my little nephew Max who is such a sweet little boy. I came into the sitting room to find him with a Santa's hat on looking absolutely adorable.

I decided to enter Vicki's challenge at The Scrap Pad over at Scrap N' Art and here is my entry. I really hope I win her fabulous upcoming kit 'Country Cottage', it look so beautiful.

I used Scrap N' Art's kit 'Merry Mistletoe', go and check them out, it's free to join and you get loads of fantastic tips and ideas plus beautiful kits and Friday freebies.

I off on my weekend break, I'm taking my laptop because I know I will not be able to sleep and I can digiscrap when everyone else has gone to bed. I'm not sure if there is Internet where I'm going, so I probably won't be on line until Monday.

Have a great weekend
Hugs

This is Funny

2008-11-03T22:49:00.000Z

Weekend Birthday Getaway

2008-11-01T18:18:00.000Z

We are going away for a long weekend next weekend to Stockbatch Granary, Pitchford, Nr Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Here are a few photographs.

It look like we are going to be 'roughing it' ha ha. The Granery is set in the grounds of Pitchford House, so we will be searching for long lost relatives as my mom's maiden name is Pitchford.

I hope the weather brightens up and warms up a bit, if not I will be fighting my daughter for the wellington boots.

Hugs

Problem with png and gifs

2008-11-01T14:09:00.000Z

this gif works

Can any one tell me how I can use png or gifs on my blog without the background showing up? After all that is why we use this form of graphic, they are supposed to have transparent backgrounds. I have used graphics in previous blog posts and they have had transparent background. Both images in this post are gifs, one is transparent and one isn't.

this one doesn't

Thanks

Cross Browser Problems

2008-11-01T13:32:00.000Z

I was trying to help out a fellow blogger who as huge problems with her blog, and it made me think whether my blog worked okay on other browsers!

So I checked my blog out using FireFox. The only thing that didn't work was my cursor which on Internet Explorer is a cute little daisy. All the other stuff works, but then thinking about it I don't have that many widgets on my blog.

In conclusion; I think it's a good idea if you are going to change your blog layout and add loads of widgets it's best to check at least two of the most popular browsers on the market these days.

I'm off to check out Opera and Safari!

On another note, please, if you have a moment pop over and visit Summer Driggs' Blog. She has a fantastic kit called 'Gratitude', to give away. But more importantly she has a dear friend who's baby needs our help.

Hugs

Follower Widget - GONE

2008-10-28T18:42:00.000Z

I've decided to take off the Follower Widget from my blog. I don't much like My Space or Facebook because of the constant need to tell everyone how many friends they have. I don't like to feel my blog is judged by how many people I have following my blog.

I want to say thank you to all who followed my blog. I will continue to visit the sites of the blogs I love and I hope those that enjoyed popping by my little old blog continue to do so.

Big Hugs

Why We Love Children

2008-10-28T18:30:00.000Z

I received this is an email and it made me smile, I though I would pass it on in the hope that it to make you smile

Why We Love Children!

1) NUDITY

I was driving with my three young children one warm summer evening when a woman in the convertible ahead of us stood up and waved. She was stark naked! As I was reeling from the shock, I heard my 5-year-old shout from the back seat, 'Mum! That lady isn't wearing a seat belt!'

2) OPINIONS

On the first day of school, a first-grader handed his teacher a note from his mother. The note read, 'The opinions expressed by this child are not necessarily those of his parents.'

3) KETCHUP

A woman was trying hard to get the ketchup out of the jar. During her struggle the phone rang so she asked her 4-year-old daughter to answer the phone. 'Mummy can't come to the phone to talk to you right now. She's hitting the bottle.'

4) MORE NUDITY

A little boy got lost at the YMCA and found himself in the women's locker room. When he was spotted, the room burst into shrieks, with ladies grabbing towels and running for cover. The little boy watched in amazement and then asked, 'What's the matter, haven't you ever seen a little boy before'?

5) POLICE # 1

While taking a routine vandalism report at an elementary school, I was interrupted by a little girl about 6 years old. Looking up and down at my uniform, she asked, 'Are you a cop?' 'Yes,' I answered and continued writing the report. 'My mother said if I ever needed help I should ask the police. Is that right?' 'Yes, that's right,' I told her.'Well, then,' she said as she extended her foot toward me, 'would you please tie my shoe'?

6) POLICE # 2

It was the end of the day when I parked my police van in front of the station. As I gathered my equipment, my K-9 partner, Jake, was barking, and I saw a little boy staring in at me, 'Is that a dog you got back there?' he asked. 'It sure is,' I replied. Puzzled, the boy looked at me and then towards the back of the van. Finally he said, 'What did he do?'

7) ELDERLY

While working for an organization that delivers lunches to elderly shut-ins, I used to take my 4-year-old daughter on my afternoon rounds. She was unfailingly intrigued by the various appliances of old age, particularly the canes,walkers and wheelchairs. One day I found her staring at a pair of false teeth soaking in a glass. As I braced myself for the inevitable barrage of questions, she merely turned and whispered, 'The tooth fairy will never believe this!'

8) DRESS-UP

A little girl was watching her parents dress for a party.When she saw her dad donning his tuxedo, she warned, 'Daddy, you shouldn't wear that suit.' 'And why not,darling?' 'You know that it always gives you a headache the next morning. '

9) DEATH

While walking along the sidewalk in front of his church,our minister heard the intoning of a prayer that nearly made his collar wilt. Apparently, his 5-year-old son and his playmates had found a dead robin. Feeling that proper burial should be performed, they had secured a small box and cotton batting, then dug a hole and made ready for the disposal of the deceased. The minister's son was chosen to say the appropriate prayers and with sonorous dignity intoned his version of what he thought his father always said, 'Glory be unto the Faaather, and unto the Sonnn, and into the hole he goooes.'

10) SCHOOL

A little girl had just finished her first week of school. 'I'm just wasting my time,' she said to her mother. 'I can't read, I can't write and they won't let me talk!'

11) BIBLE

A little boy opened the big family bible. He was fascinated as he fingered through the old pages.Suddenly, something fell out of the Bible. He picked up the object and looked at it. What he saw was an old leaf that had been pressed in between the pages. 'Mama, look what I found,' the boy called out. 'What have you got there, dear?' With astonishment in the young boy's voice, he answered, 'I think it's Adam's underwear.'

What a wonderful world!!!!

Saving For a Rainy Day

2008-10-27T23:33:00.000Z

I received this gift last Christmas from my dear friend Gill. I promised myself that I would put a little bit of money in it each day, which have done plus all the bounty from down the side of the sofa and what I have dug out of the washing machine after each wash. There is always the odd 20p or 50p left in the drum along side the rogue odd sock and a collection of buttons.

Today we had an un-budgeted monetary crisis as my son's 13 year old car needed a part which turned out to be quite expensive. So I decided to raid my little money box to see how much I'd saved. I was pleasantly surprised to find just how much I had saved. Needless to say I can now buy the part Jamie needs, and I can still have a girl's night out! I like this saving for a rainy day idea, I think I will buy my sisters a little money box for Christmas this year, then they to can have a lovely surprise in October.

It Wasn't Too Bad

2008-10-24T13:48:00.000+01:00

Well Wednesday wasn't too bad after all. I knew in advance that there would be no power for most of the day, so I was able to prepare myself. I don't know about you out there in blog land, but the thought of being without my laptop and access to the internet sends a shudder down my spine.

I managed to hang on and not light the fire as it was a beautiful sunny day, the sun warmed up the south side of the house. I finally gave up reading my book at 3pm as the small print and low light was giving me a headache. I took myself off to the local supermarket and did a bit of non vital shopping. When I got back an hour and a half later the electricity was back on hurrah!

I made a chilli con carne for tea which everyone loved. I had loads of comments about the depth of taste. All I had done differently was to add a couple of good slugs of red wine. It wasn't until I was half way through the meal that I remembered that we had run out of red wine a while ago, and as I don't drink, I had forgoten to restock. All of my friends drink white wine and I've always got plenty of that for them. I realised that I had used a bottle of wine that had been gifted to us to celebrate our 30th anniversary. I began to feel a little uneasy, but consoled myself that the wine might have cost about 10 or 15 pounds. How wrong I was, I had used a 1999 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes Domaine de Marcoux 1999 which comes in a slightly under £77 ($125). Still it was a flippin' good chilli.

Let it be our little secret.

Postponed

2008-10-21T12:26:00.000+01:00

I've postponed my visit to the Midlands and we are going up on Saturday instead. One reason to visit was to celebrate my sister, Lily's birthday, but she want to party at the weekend instead. Another reason for getting away is that they are turning off the electricity tomorrow from 8.30 until 4pm, to do some vital work on the overhead power lines. If it was so vital, why didn't they do it earlier in the year when it was a bit warmer. So I will keep myself warm in front of the fire, read a book or two and just chill wrapped up in my duvet and eat my favourite cereals. If I get too cold or bored I will just pop into town and do a bit of window shopping. I might even start my Christmas shopping as I know what I want to get my Mom and daughter already.

I'm popping out in a while to buy some more logs as I don't want to run out. The logs I have already, aren't seasoned and smoke instead of burn, which is a bummer. Since getting the log burner I have become a real pyromaniac, I just love burning things. Mostly paper, but toast and marshmallows as well. I was toasting a marshmallow in front of the fire on Sunday and a ember jumped out. I jumped up and stamped on it as I didn't want it to burn the carpet. Now I have a black mark about 2 inches in diameter on my former beautiful cream carpet. I've tried to clean it but it's still there so I shall have to buy a rug or something I guess. I'm just glad I was in the room at the time and my house wasn't burned down.

See you later ....

Whoops Sorry

2008-10-21T02:08:00.000+01:00

I've had a few problems with 4 Shared and I may have messed up some of the links to my Funky alpha, I'm so sorry. They are now fixed, to save you time I've re posted the 4 links here.

Funky Alpha Numbers

Funky Alpha addons

Funky Alpha LC

Funky Alpha UC

Hope everything is okay this time.

Bye for now

An Award For little old me

2008-10-21T01:00:00.000+01:00

I am lucky enough to have received a very special award from eilajean. Eileen created this award herself, and I am thrilled that she has given it to me. Yellow roses denote friendship here in the UK, so I'm loving my beautiful yellow rose.
Thank you so much for thinking of me!

Tomorrow I will be visiting my family in the Midlands, so I won't be around until Friday or Saturday. Be good whilst I'm away won't you!

Hugs

Blog Find of the Week

2008-10-20T02:50:00.000+01:00

I came across this blog, It's Lovely! I'll Take It! And I wanted to share it with you. It's put together buy a very funny young woman by the name of Sara who comes from Washington, USA. I believe she is looking to move or do up the home she has. That is why she has a huge swathe of real estate listings on her blog. If you have a moment please pop over and visit, I promise you won't be disappointed. I howled with laughter as some of her quips and sarcasm.

I don't know why but this entry cracked me up, perhaps it was the WHY factor, or it could have been the orange teddy bear!

Oh well, it's 3am in the morning, I guess I had better try to get some sleep. If there is anyone out there who has a cure for insomnia, other than a hammer to the head, please let me know.

Hugs

How Lovely

2008-10-20T00:40:00.000+01:00

I have received a lovely award from Vicki over at A work in Progress.

Thank you so much for passing this on, it's such a lovely thing to do.

I have to tell you 6 things I love and then pass it on to 6 people.

Here are my 6 things:-

1. Steve my Hubby and my two children

2. Family

3. Friends

4. My Garden

5. Scrapbooking

6. Reading

I'm passing it on to the following people:-

See you tomorrow
Big Hugs

Mojo is back ... I found it in the garden

2008-10-16T20:40:00.000+01:00

Vicki AWP suggested that I did a bit of dancing in the garden to cheer me up and help find my mojo!

So off I trotted and was mid 'Mom', (very embarrassing dance produced by the over 50's)
and got caught by my neighbour, who was taking his wheelie bin down the lane! Yikes, I scared him to death but it cheered me up no end, so much so I went in and made some Christmas cards!

HELLO MOJO WELCOME BACK :0

Thanks for your comment Bubbles, Vicki & Eilajean I'm back to my old self and ate half a packet of cookies whilst creating the Christmas cards below.

Cards made with Lettering Delights Christmas Angels & Art 4 Craft (a wonderful site full of smashing graphics created by the very lovely Helena who lives in Sweden.

See you later ......

Help I've lost my mojo!!!!!!!!

2008-10-16T16:29:00.000+01:00

This is not like me at all because I ALWAYS have something to do, be it blogging, creating web sites, reading, gardening, making jewellery, making cards, watching tv, singing at the top of my voice, cleaning the house (well sometime lol). But today I don't want to do anything, I am bored, don't want to do anything, not even eat a cookie! My mojo has been hijacked or something. The thing that panicked me the most was ..... wait for it .....

I don't even feel like scrapping..... Gasp! It's horrifying isn't it.

See you later when I've found my mojo

I'm Not a Grumpy Old Woman!

2008-10-13T23:59:00.000+01:00

I do find myself whinging about things these days. I don't want to beat the system, I just want it to work the way it was supposed to!

We had a lovely weekend here in the South of England. I was able to sit out in the garden and enjoy the garden and the birds. I spent a few hours whiling away the time fiddling about with templates for Blogger. Does anyone really know why xml code is so user unfriendly? Can't they just call things how they are. For example:- header, left column, right column, footer. Life would be so much easier. I think it's been made far more difficult than it should be, htm was so much more forgiving, and I could just about muddle my way through it.

Still, after a bit of a struggle I have managed to make my blog pretty. I love sparkly mouse cursors and trails, so I've put them on my blog. There is one thing I don't like on my blog and that's music. I spend a lot of hours surfing the net, mainly at night when I can't sleep. I find it jarring to be confronted with other people's choice of music. I get round this little problem by having my sound turned off. But sometimes when I've been listening to the news on my 'pute, I forget to turn it off again, and I jump out of my skin when the music kicks in at 3am, LOL!

click the image or here to go to download

I made this little flower head and stem whilst I was in the garden on Sunday, and I though I would pass it on. It's not much but you may be able to do something with it. The flower is edged with the words from one of my favourite songs by Gabriel, called Sunshine.

See you later ...

I Made a Blinkie

2008-10-06T18:36:00.000+01:00

I made a blinkie! It's a little bit jittery but I'm quite pleased as a first attempt. I used Jasc Animation Shop v.3. I was wondering what you all use to make your cool blinkies.

So here it is ta dah! Take a look over on the right --->

Learning Curve - Adobe Photoshop

2008-10-06T13:46:00.000+01:00

I use Paintshop Pro which I love and can create pretty most most things with it. But a number of prospective employers have asked if I can use Adobe Photoshop, which I'm not too good at, to say the least. I decided to enroll in a Photoshop course this autumn but they were massively oversubscribed and would have had to wait until next spring. So I decided to invest in a couple of books and teach myself. I'm quite good at self tuition once I set my mind to it. That's what I did with Dreamweaver and a few other applications. The basic course would have cost me £66 plus parking fees and petrol, these two books came to £40.78 so I have saved a few pounds. Perhaps I can treat myself to some chocolate to help me with my studies.

First Lesson is Getting to Know the Work Area

See you later x

Mixed Week of Emotions

2008-10-03T14:35:00.000+01:00

It's been a grim week all in all this week. One of my family has lost their job, I believe unfairly, but there is nothing that could be done about it. All I know is that they have devoted 10 years of service to this employer and they have treated them really unfairly. I personally think it will be the making of her to be honest because I have always felt they could do so much more with their career, time will tell.

Meanwhile my job search has proved fruitless. If I tell the truth on my CV about being registered disabled, I don't even get an interview. When I leave it off, I get the interview but they inevitably find out I have a problem just by the way I move. Plus I am told I have to tell them by law that I have a disability. If they found out later on sometime down the road I would be sacked! Talk about a rock and a hard place.

I came across a wonderful letter on the Internet a few years ago and I loved it so much I copied to my CV folder. I came across it the other day and thought I would share it with you.

Dear Sir or Madam

Thank you for your letter of October 1st. After careful consideration, I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept your refusal to offer me employment with your company.

This year I have been particularly fortunate in receiving an unusually large number of rejection letters. With such a varied and promising field of candidates it is impossible for me to accept all refusals.

Despite your company's outstanding qualifications and previous experience in rejecting applicants, I find that your rejection does not meet my needs at this time. Therefore I will initiate employment with your firm at the beginning of the month. I look forward to seeing you then.

Yours faithfully

Susie2shoes

What do you think, shall I send it out, is it worth a try? LOL

See you later

It's The Thought That Counts

2008-09-25T14:11:00.000+01:00

Often in times of trouble

we don't know what to say,

So we choose to say nothing,

and sometimes run away.

When friends are really hurting,

we don't know what to do,

So we offer weak excuses

or say we're hurting too.

It really doesn't matter

What kind of gift we bring;

We only need to be there

if we don't bring a thing.

It truly is amazing

what a hug can do,

When heartache numbs the senses,

and friends depend on you.

There's comfort just in knowing

that you are not alone,

When tears are overflowing,

and hearts are cold as stone.

It's the loving prayers of others

that balance our accounts,

For when we measure love,

it's still the thought that counts.

Clay Harrison

Dedicated to family and friends we love, who are fighting cancer,

and to those we have lost. but will never forget.

Just Not Me

2008-09-25T05:05:00.000+01:00

I've been messing about with my blog and I don't like it, it's just not me. I'm too tired to change it as it's now 5am UK time. So apologies for the naffness and I will put it right tomorrow.

See you tomorrow no doubt!

Hugs
x

Funky Alpha - Bits and Bobs

2008-09-19T13:05:00.000+01:00

I'm in such trouble today as I've so much to do having spent ALL day yesterday trying to research my family tree. I joined Ancestry co uk, which after struggling for about 4 hours I finally realised how to search the data. I'm as thick as a plank sometimes. I don't know how June from Cen's Loft does it, AND does all that she does AND finds the time to create kits and freebies. June, genealogist extraordinaire, if you are reading this I take my hat off to you.

I am now the proud owner of a little family tree that goes back to 1871 on my Mom's maternal side and 1841 on her paternal side. doesn't sound very far back but I'm so pleased with my progress. I do believe that genealogy (posh name for researching family trees) and scrapping, compliment each other. After all it's all about recording the moment or moments gone by.

Today after posting I have to catch up on the housework, buy groceries for the week, fix my car, as it's been playing up and not starting ever since going through three flood a couple of weeks ago. It probably just needs a spray of WD40 on the points or carburetor thingamabob hopefully. Plus I want to send of for some birth and marriage certificates from the Records Office for my new passion.

Anyhow .... here is the final installments of my little Funky Alpha. I hope you have enjoyed my humble attempt. I have loved every comment you have left me, I can't tell you how uplifting it is to be thanked. Thank you in return for all those that did.

click to download

Link Now Fixed Sorry x

graphic design by Lorna Gould

Catch you later

Susie

Funky Alpha - Numbers

2008-09-18T20:27:00.000+01:00

As promised, here are the numbers to Funky Alpha, I hope you like the addition. I will be posting the punctuation marks and other bits and bobs later in the week.

Please leave a comment if you can, I always love to hear people thoughts and opinions.

click image to go to download link

Graphic design by Lorna Gould
Sigtag purchased from Susie's Graphics

Steve - Javea, Spain

2008-09-13T14:57:00.000+01:00

I just love this quick page by Vicki, just right for my two favourite photo's of my hubby. I added a few elements to the QP as I wanted to use two photo's. The photo's were taken whilst on holiday in Javea, Spain. It was a special moment as we had just agreed we would look for our own house in the sun.

Boys Will Be Boys QP and elements
by Vicki, A Work in Progress

My Mom aged 4

2008-09-11T00:07:00.000+01:00

I love this photo of my mom aged 4. The handmade silk dress is gorgeous and so are those beautiful brown eyes.

This beautiful QP was Designed by Misulka and Vicky. PST Design

Rant about the Large Hadron Collider

2008-09-10T14:54:00.000+01:00

The world's largest physics experiment is taking place today at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN).

4.4 Billion pounds to find a Higgs Boson and other particles, I am speechless. The comment made by Brian Cox, one of the mad professors taking part in this farce, left me speechless. When asked about not finding the Higgs Boson, Cox stated, "It will be more exciting in many ways because it will mean that we have understood much less than we thought about Nature", what absolute rubbish!

Yes, let's just throw more money at it, keeping Professor Cox and his cronies in a cushy jobs, and forget about those on this planet who are ill, hungry, uneducated, unemployed, homeless! Do they think we are stupid?

As to the 'Black Hole', people fear will be created today. Well here's a news flash, 'it has already been created', by politicians who run our countries into the ground whilst lining there own pockets! Just who is funding this tosh?

End of rant
x

More Funky Alphas

2008-09-08T21:30:00.000+01:00

Just a short post today as I didn't do much you would find interesting. In honour of a day without rain in Hampshire, UK, I thought it would be fitting to post the lower case Funky Alphas to give to you.

click the image to go to the download site

Elements from a kit by Anita (Nana's Attic)

Blogger and Google Chrome

2008-09-06T13:58:00.000+01:00

I was just wondering if any of you have had any issues posting or editing your blog whilst using the new Google Chrome browser. On one occasion it wouldn't allow me to insert a image, but the next day I tried it did. Then it wouldn't let me move the image to where I wanted it to go. The default position on Blogger always inserts the the image at the top of the post, how annoying is that at the time, and that's not always where I want it to go!

I think I'm going to wait until Google bring out a toolbar for their OWN browser as I HAVE to check the spelling 'cus I'm sad like that! Seems strange that they have a toolbar for IE and Firefox but not their own, don't you think?

Posting in Blogger is great as it has it's own spellchecker, but I always like to check my spelling when I post a comment on any blog I may visit, I would hate to leave a 'smelling distake', on their blogs.

Have a lovely Saturday. I'm off to find my water wings and /or a boat as it's piddling down here in the south of England AGAIN.

Big hugs

Susie2shoes aged 4

2008-09-06T13:49:00.000+01:00

You know how it is... the photo's come back and you hate them. Cries of "My nose looks big in that one", or "That's not my good side". Well, I've found the 'one' photo I though made me look great! lol and here it is. I think I was quite cute when I was 4. I actually remember the ribbon and the dress.

Have you got any cute photos of when you were 4 or 5? I think I've seen one of you Vicki when you were a 'ickle' girl.

Catch you later my blog readers .... all 3 of you x

A Little Help From My Friends

2008-09-04T12:37:00.000+01:00

I went out with a few of my very close friends last night, some of whom I've known for over 25 years, so they are close. Even though we are friends I am still unable to confide in things that really worry me. I know they would be there for me in a flash, but I just can't do it. It's a STUPID pride and embarrassment issue. I think they know me, well they should do by now, and back off when I get into one of my situations. Whether that's a good thing I don't know, perhaps not. Any way, what I meant to say was I had a wonderful time and I am so lucky to have friends like these. Big hugs to all of them, I love you to pieces girls.

I also want to send a big hug to Vicki whose blog is so interesting, plus she makes 'The' most wonderful scrap kit pages. Vicki noticed I was out of the blogging loop and took the time to drop me a line to say she missed me. It really bucked me up and lifted my spirits. Thank you Vicki, you are so lovely.

Lonnie my daughter did a cute little doodle for me and I've turned it into an Alpha. It's quite funky I thought and I'd love to share it with anyone who reads my blog.

Here are the upper case letters. I'll post the lower case, numbers and the bit & bobs next week, enjoy.

click image to go to the download page

Missing - Out of Action

2008-09-02T13:09:00.000+01:00

I haven't posted for ages because I've been sulking. Very childish I know, but we all deal with things differently. Thanks for emailing me Vicki, I really appreciate it.

I will pop back later this week to post a little freebie I made ages ago for you.

Hugs
Susie
x

'One' Water, a great cause needing our support

2008-08-06T11:16:00.000+01:00

I must drink about 1 and a half litres of water a day, mostly tap water because I'm lucky enough to have the wonderful stuff on tap, cool and clean. Many are less fortunate than I am. So when I'm thirsty and can't get to a tap I buy One water. Not only does it taste wonderful, probably because it's Welsh water, but more importantly the profits go to help those who are less fortunate that I. Click here or on the image of David Tennant and you can find out all about it.

By simply buying a bottle of One Water you could help change the lives of 1 billion people in the world who don't have access to clean water. All One Water's profits, every last drop, go to building unique PlayPump® water systems in Africa which improve people's lives by providing free, clean water. With your help they can make a difference and that’s all they’re trying to do.

You can find out more about the work One Water does by visiting there site here.

Thanks for reading, if you got this far, just go that One step further.

'When you drink One water , Africa drinks too!'

I've Been Given An Award!

2008-08-05T21:35:00.000+01:00

The wonderfully talented Vicki passed on the Wylde Women award to me and I'm thrilled. Thank you for the award Vicki, I really love it :D

Most of my favourite blogging friends have already received this lovely award, so it would be silly of me to award it to them again. I've decided to award it to June, Cen's Loft, Bethany, Elegant WordArt, Malinda, The Blue Side. All these lovely ladies have brightened my day on many occasion.

The rules are :-

1. You can give it to one or one hundred or any number in between - it's up to you. Make sure you link to their site in your post.

2. Link back to this blogsite (http://http://www.tammyvitale.com/) so Tammy can go visit all these wonderful women we've given it to.

The Purpose of the Award: To send love and acknowledgment to women who brighten your day, teach you new things and live their lives fully with generosity and joy.

See you next time

A Little Blue Tag

2008-08-04T13:06:00.000+01:00

I AM A BLOG JUNKIE

I've fallen into the trap of not wanting to blog because I don't have any freebies to give back to all the wonderful scrappers who share with me. I've been struggling with Adobe Photoshop and I feel as if I've taken a huge step backwards, because I can't use it nearly as well as I can Paintshop Pro. Soooo ... I'm going to give myself a break and stick with PSP and also just blog and not try to compete, 'cus frankly I just can't!

I'm also going to stop trawling through all the freebies on http://digifree.blogspot.com/, because there are just too many and it takes so long. I find I go there and have a nose around and when I check the time, 2 to 3 hours have passed. Which is great, but not EVERY DAY! I will just stick with my favourite Blogs, and you know who they are girls, 'cus I pop in regularly and always comment when I've been to your fab blogs, even when I don't download your freebies.

I LOVE reading about Bubbles daily saga's and the beautiful Lily and Wyatt her grand babies.

Vicki20 has me is stitches with her tales of Lily and Pompey, her two beautiful Labradors.

Anita who I miss dreadfully and think of daily, and hope that she finds that ray of sunshine that she lost when her beloved hubby died earlier this year. Her blog helped me enormously last year with the mammoth task of scrapping my daughter's 21st Birthday scrap book. Which turned out fantastically, THANK YOU ANITA xx

Bethany who also helped enormously with her wonderful wordart which gave me inspiration, plus her blog is so entertaining. How she can blog, create, diet and cope with five children is beyond me. I think a medal is deserved.

And last, but not least, Cen, who is so very generous, talented and so funny, with tales of lost parents, monster spiders, stiff shirts and discarded relatives!

I'm going to use the time I free up to actually create something. I haven't made a piece of jewellery for over nine months, and I only make cards and 'Charming Moments', when I need them. I don't know about you girls, but my mojo goes when I HAVE to do something, as apposed to wanting to do something. I'm also going to read more, as I only read now when I can't get on my laptop, which seems to be like all the time just recently. I have a 2 bookcases full of books I have not read which is a crime! I may even do a bit of housework, but I can't promise :)

Anyway .... enough already, I bet you're bored by now, I know I am.

Freebie time

That said, I did try a little tutorial by Shawna, who has a really great blog 'Scrap Stuff With PSP -Tutorials'.

click the image to download or click here

Hope you all have a great week and the sun shines on you.

Big Hugs
Susie
x

Oh dear! It looks like 4shared is off line at the moment, let's hope it's back up soon. I just pinged it and it's not responding at all! (00.38 6th Aug).

Playing With Wordle

2008-07-30T00:02:00.000+01:00

I've been playing with Wordle and thought I would see what my favorite piece of writing would look like.

Happy Birthday Joe

2008-07-12T20:36:00.000+01:00

Jeans Alpha by Aline Korf of Jerline's Digigrapics
Doodle by Barb Derksen heartdoodle
QP Unknow as yet but named tortuemaoriqp2 If you know please leave a comment

Joe's 21st Birthday

2008-07-12T19:40:00.000+01:00

Y Happy Birthday Joe Y

Lonnie's boyfriend Joe, celebrated his 21st birthday on the 21st June this year. Lonnie gave him a gift of a Race Day at Thruxton, I think he was really pleased.

My Wonderful Mom

2008-07-12T19:26:00.000+01:00

Lonnie & Joe are Home

2008-07-11T13:43:00.000+01:00

Here are a few photo's of Lonnie and Joe taken on their trip to Sri Lanka.

Lonnie at sunset

In the Botanical Gardens

Bathing the Elephants at Kandy

Joe looks tiny next to this beautiful creature

Lonnie & Joe with the elephants at Kandy, Sri Lanka

I will be putting together some scrap pages with the photo's in this weekend all being well, I've got to find something tropical I guess.

Have a great Friday evening

TTFN

Lily & Pompey's Crash Pad

2008-07-10T12:55:00.000+01:00

This one's for Vicki - A Work in Progress.

I've ordered one of these little beauties for when Lily and Pompey, her gorgeous Labradors, come a stay! You have to treat fur guests well and only the best is good enough for them.

(Apparently this is a dog palace that Rachel hunter commissioned La Petite Maison to build which replicated her own Mediterranean-style home).

And here's your accommodation Vicki, obviously there isn't much left in the budget, but I'm sure it will be just fine!

Big Hugs

2008-06-27T21:30:00.000+01:00

My daughter Lonnie aka Smudge & her boyfriend are on holiday in Sri Lanka, not the best choice to go if you ask me, as there are problems with civil unrest. But then I'm a middle aged worry wort! I do worry about her terribly and miss her so much. Sri Lanka is 5+ hours in front of the UK so she will be tucked up in her hotel room safe and sound thank goodness.

QP by Anita - Nana's Attic
Word are by Bethany - Elegant Wordart

Bubbles, if this is one of your QPs made from one of Anita's Kits then credit goes to you as well, if not, well thanks anyway because I love your blog and you give so many freebies away to us lesser gifted scrappers. Mwa Mwa.

Hugs to all

A Little Something

2008-06-27T12:06:00.000+01:00

I've been playing around with PSP and came up with this little star with the words of Pamela Vaull Starr edging it.

“Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.”

what do you think? You are more than welcome to use it for scrapping if you so wish.

You can get it here
See you later
x

Oh Dear

2008-06-26T21:21:00.000+01:00

It's been a bad week all in all. My wonderful Mom was taken poorly last week and has spent a week in hospital. She's better now and has finally been allowed to come home.

I was on my way to visit her in the Midlands today when I stupidly backed over my luggage. Well it was my vanity case and handbag actually. I've trashed my camera, broken my perfume, crushed my make-up, ruined my glasses, crushed my phone !!! The weight of the car squeezed out half a bottle of body lotion (expensive body lotion) and it all got mixed up with broken glass & perfume, it was a right mess, The count so far is £682.81 ($1,357.42) in damages, I'm a plank aren't I?

Then in the evening I left the freezer door open. Made parsley sauce to go with steak instead of pepper sauce. I also forgot to light the gas under the pan when I finally made pepper sauce...... what am I like?

I think I will wait until the weekend and go up for a flying visit with Steve, he's a much more confident driver than I am these days. They say use it or lose it and I don't drive enough, so I've lost my confidence. I will work up to a longer trip, I think taking on a 260 mile round trip was a bit too adventurous.

I'm tucked up in bed now feeling safe and warm, typing away on my little old laptop, absolute heaven!

Here's some of the things I trashed :(

Tomorrow is another day.
x

Father's Day 2008

2008-06-15T21:07:00.000+01:00

We had fun on Father's Day this year. Steve loves cream tea's so that's what he had. I also cooked him a roast beef dinner with all the trimming which went down a treat. I think Steve liked his presents, one of which was the DVD, 'I am Legend', starring the luscious Will Smith .... pause to drool. Later we played Monopoly for 4 hours! Lonnie won as usual, I'm going to rename the game Lonopoly from now on.

Here's a page I scrapped using the beautiful kit, 'Blue Earth', created by the very talented Vicki - A Work in Progress.

Bye for now peeps
x

Fed Up

2008-06-05T17:52:00.000+01:00

I'm fed up! I've been struggling all afternoon to try and create something, anything, with Adobe Photo CS, it's just too hard. I think I'm going to stick to Paint Shop Pro, then I will have something to show for all of my efforts. I wish I'd gone out into the garden and pruned a few plants.

My Garden In May

2008-06-03T21:17:00.000+01:00

Scrapping Jamie

2008-05-31T01:04:00.000+01:00

I finally put together a scrap page of Jamie, Hurrah! I do find blokey pages hard to do, you can't do twirly things and flowers, so the page does tend to look a bit plain. But here goes, hope you like it.

Friends Reunited

2008-05-31T00:41:00.000+01:00

How cool is Friends Reunited? Today I got in touch with a cousin I haven't seen for nearly 48 years and an old work colleague I worked with over 25 years ago. How marvelous is that? Hopefully I will be able to meet up with Helen my long lost, but not forgotten, workmate over a coffee pretty soon.

The news from my cousin was quiet sad, as her life and those of her close family, has been quiet tragic. My cousin's email reminded me that life is not always a bed of roses and I am truly grateful that the little trials I have been through have all been small fry in comparison.

I hope to get out into the garden this weekend as everything has shot up and so have the weeds. I took some photographs just before we had this horrible wet week, I'm so glad I did because the rain has knocked the heck out of the plants. I'm going to put together a scrapbook of the photo's as an aide de memoir in my twilight years.

Have a great weekend and I'll see you next time. Have a wonderful holiday Vicki, I wish I was going to Portugal.
x

Cool

2008-05-25T18:20:00.000+01:00

Ten reasons I like to blog

2008-05-06T13:29:00.000+01:00

Vicki from AWP tagged me ages ago. Thanks Vicki I’m thrilled.

I find it very cathartic to actually put my thoughts into words & pictures.

I love art & graphics and blogging is a fab way to display these things.

Reading blogs can be inspirational, sometime funny and very often weird!

It’s a wonderful way to meet online friends from all over the world.

It enables me to indulge in my new passion scrapbooking.

Blogging is a great way to showcase your talents and to share what you have learned.

I can keep in touch with my family & friends through my blog.

Receiving & giving comments can pick you up when you may be down.

It’s so good to have a moan to someone other than your best friend, everyone needs a break from all that ear bashing, don’t they.

It is a great way to make a difference. I’ve read things on other blogs that’s made me think twice about my actions.

If you read this blog please consider yourself tagged …. I look forward to reading about what it is that inspires you to blog.

I'm a Happy Little Bunny .... Big Bunny!

2008-05-02T12:30:00.000+01:00

I've just had a phone call from Steve my lovely hubby, and he's really happy because the 2nd of his exams at Uni has gone really well. I'm really pleased for him as he really deserves to do well, as he studies so hard. He's also just found out that he does have the day off on Monday so I feel quite happy now.

I was Tagged by Vicki from A Work in Progress the other day, I must get around to doing something about it. I forgot all about it until a few moments again, whoops.

I'm still feeling awful from this horrible Pericarditis. It's been a couple of weeks and it's getting worse not better. I went to Asda the other day and nearly did myself a mischief! I should have turned back at my garage door because that's when I started to struggle, but I was silly and battled on. Fortunately Jamie and Lonnie were home when I got back home and they unpacked the car and put the shopping away.

I'm off for a walk around the garden and then I'm going to scrap a couple of photo's. I've got a lovely new kit, Country Elements from Nana's Attic and another called Dandelion Dream from A Work in Progress ....

Catch you later mwah, mwah

Revenge is Sweet ... Well Sort Of!

2008-05-02T11:19:00.000+01:00

Have you ever visited a webpage and wanted to blow it up, spray the whole thing with paint or even cover it in flowers!

Well here's a fab site called Netdisaster which lets you do jut this. It's only temporary and there is no actual harm to the site you pick, but it sure beats punching cushions and biting your nails.

I'm off to Nuke the Sky TV Guide which as been changed ....... for the worse!!!

Shining Star

2008-04-30T12:26:00.000+01:00

I scrapped this page using a fabulous kit called 'Doodle-iscious', designed by a very talented scrap artist called Vicki. Check out her wonderful designs over at Vicki's Blog, 'A Work in Progress'.

I've called my daughter Smudge for as long as I can remember. I don't even know where it came from, really ... although I do remember she was a demon with her eraser at school and used to rub out anything she had written that she wasn't happy with. Sometimes a whole page was rubbed out, smudges everywhere and there would be little holes all over the page. Ahhhhhh Bless.

Soon I will hopefully post a page I want to scrap of my other ‘Shining Star’, Jamie. I’ve got a bit off brain fug at the moment and don’t seem to like anything I’ve put together so far.

Don’t forget to check out Vicki’s Blog, she is generous as well as talented and has MANY freebies to offer for the price of only a thank you.

Catch you later, I'm off to the shops, as all I have in the freezer is a spring roll and a pack of Naan bread!

Lonnie's 21st Birthday

2008-04-23T13:27:00.000+01:00

Lonnie's 21st birthday went very well indeed.

We went to Hungerford for our usual birthday cream tea, and
later in the evening we celebrated at Lonnie's favourite restaurant.

The bunch of flowers she is holding in the photo is almost as big as she is!

This LO was made by Vicki at Bubbles Babbles using the "All About Me" kit from Anita (Nana's Attic).
Thank you to both of these very talented digital artists.

8 Missing hours!

2008-04-19T00:26:00.000+01:00

I went to see the practice nurse today because my blood pressure was very high and I was having nasty chest pains. She did an ECG and suggested I came back to see the doctor because she was a bit concerned. I saw the doctor and she sent me straight up to the hospital for a specific test to rule our myocardial infarction, which is a heart attack to you and me!

I haven't had a heart attack I'm pleased to tell you, but what I do seem to have is pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium, which is the thin layer of specialized tissue that covers the outer surfaces of the heart. Probably brought on by a virus I've been battling with for the last couple of months.

So it's a case of anti-inflammatory drugs, which I take anyway for my Fibromyalgia and pain killers .... ditto! It normally clears within 6 months, oh joy!

No Computer!

2008-04-15T11:01:00.000+01:00

My computer didn't arrive yesterday, what a surprise! I rang them at about 3pm to ask if my order had been dispatched. I got a 'cock and bull' story about processor boards not coming in until Friday, blah, blah, blah!

I really need to get a reality check you know. I believe people when they say it will definitely be there. Or that they won't be late, and I'm sitting in a restaurant twiddling my thumbs for 30 minutes later that same day. They might as well walk in with a placard saying, 'My time is far more important that your time is! Whoops I ranted, sorry.

Busy day today as there is much to do for my daughter's 21st birthday tomorrow. I will have to miss out on my favourite Scrapping Sites today :(

Ouch!

2008-04-15T10:49:00.000+01:00

I was bitten by a wasp spider whilst I was pinching out a plant the other day. I put together a scrap page to send to my family and I tThought I would share it with you. It 's 5 day since I was bitten and it's still sensitive.

I'm sad to say the poor thing did not survive the ordeal, I hope my poor finger does a bit better!

Kit is called 'Scrapz' and is by Dawnz Designz

2008-04-12T14:03:00.000+01:00

I got my results from the Hampshire Clinic this morning. Most of the tests came back fine, thankfully. My cholesterol was a little higher than normal, and the Doctor did pick up a 'quiet' heart murmur and my blood pressure is a little high. Oh, and of course there were signs of inflammation (quelle surprise). I still have one more blood test to come back, but that won't be back until Monday, but I don't think it will be anything to worry about.

How I feel at the moment, I'm putting down to coming off the Pregabalin. I'm going to have to lose 2 stone, cut down on chips and butter and also give up the chocolate! It's going to be a piece of cake .... probably the only piece of cake that's going to pass my lips for a good while. To be honest, my diet isn't too bad, I've only been having butter for about 6 months so I can cut that out of my diet easily. My biggest weakness is the occasional chocolate bar, and my biggest failing is I'm getting little, or no, exercise, partly because of my back and recently because I feel so poorly.

Since I stopped taking the Pregabalin I have lost 8 lbs. so I will just have to pull my finger out, and a few other bits, and work a bit harder. I think I am going to buy that running (walking) machine after all!

I'm not going to stress about the 'murmur', as I'm sure it was because dishy Dr Hillary Jones was in the same room as I was, and I was only in my bra and pants. Given the situation I think your heart would skip a beat or two as well. Apparently it a common occurrence.

I think it's going to be a 'cold day in hell'. before I ever take any more drugs, without thoroughly investigating possible side effects and withdrawal problems.

Sorry I've Been AWOL

2008-04-10T20:07:00.000+01:00

I'm sorry I haven't posted for a long while. To be perfectly honest I've been feeling really poorly. I was taking some really strong meds called Pregabalin (Lyrica), for my Fibromyalgia and sciatic nerve damage, which has really knocked me sideways. I decided to come off them and it has been an absolute nightmare, with withdrawal symptoms still persisting for over 6 week now, and still no end in site. I Googled 'Coming off Pregabalin', and this site popped up. click here

I so wish I’d have found this site weeks ago. I really believed I had become seriously ill. I had no joy with my own GP, who more or less washed her hands of me, so I’ve just spent all of my saving on a ‘Well Woman’ consultation at a private hospital, although thinking about it, I was seen by Dr Hillary Jones, so perhaps it wasn't all for nothing!

The comments were all about the side effects of taking this drug and the horrible withdrawal symptoms you can get when you come of them.

Here's what I wrote as my comment:-

After 12 months I stopped taking Pregabalin because I was in so much pain with my feet, swelling, numbness in my feet and lower legs, weight gain, fatigue. I had been prescribed the medication for Fibromyalgia and sciatic nerve pain in my back.

I reduced the dose gradually from 300mg to zero over a period of two weeks. I am still feeling the horrible withdrawal symptoms as described by many contributors in this post and I’ve been off it fully for 6 weeks.

After reading a post by David I am feeling (spiritually) much better, as I know it’s this AWFUL drug, Pregabalin (Lyrica) and not me being seriously ill.

I am still struggling, but I have hope now. I just want to say thank you all for your posts, they have truly been a blessing for me. I wish you all good or better health.

If you are taking this drug and it is helping you then that's good, I'm pleased it's working for you. But if you are thinking of taking this powerful drug, please take the time to read just some of the comments that the above link takes you to. If nothing you with be aware of what you are getting in to.

I hope next time I post, this horrible episode will be behind me, please keep your fingers crossed for me.
x

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T15:00:00.000Z

I was woken this morning to a kiss, a beautiful card and a bouquet of flowers. The kiss would have been enough so the flowers and card were a real bonus.

Here are the lyrics to one of my favourite songs, which is how I feel about Steve, my Hubby and my best friend.

xxx

Have I told you lately that I love you by Van Morrison

Have I told you lately that I love you
Have I told you there's no one above you
Fill my heart with gladness
Take away my sadness
Ease my troubles, that's what you do
Oh the morning sun in all its glory
Greets the day with hope and comfort too
And you fill my life with laughter
You can make it better
Ease my troubles that's what you do

There's a love that's divine
And it's yours and it's mine
Like the sun at the end of the day
We should give thanks and pray to the One

Have I told you lately that I love you
Have I told you there's no one above you
Fill my heart with gladness
Take away my sadness
Ease my troubles, that's what you do

There's a love that's divine
And it's yours and it's mine
And it shines like the sun
At the end of the day we will give thanks
And pray to the One

Have I told you lately that I love you
Have I told you there's no one above you
Fill my heart with gladness
Take away my sadness
Ease my troubles, that's what you do

Take away my sadness
Fill my life with gladness
Ease my troubles that's what you do
Fill my life with gladness
Take away my sadness
Ease my troubles that's what you do

Hi Everyone

2007-12-09T13:22:00.000Z

Christmas is in a Month's time !!!

2007-11-26T16:03:00.000Z

I hope you are all enjoying the run up to Christmas. I've started on my shopping, but I've still got lots to do.

I'm Back On The Subject Of Bras Again

2007-11-14T10:40:00.000Z

No I don't have a fetish about bras, it's just a coincidence that on Sunday my daughter and I hit the shops and the first shop we came to happened to be a bra shop! Lonnie decided she wanted to be measured and we came out of the shop over an hour later with a very expensive piece of elastic and two on back order. I bought nothing! Then ........... we walked past yet another bra shop and Lonnie decided she wanted to have a look see and we came out of that shop half an hour later with Three more bras! Hang on, I said we, No I meant Lonnie.

I'm still looking for an outfit for a family wedding which is in the first week of December. The biggest problem seems to be my size, as most of the shops in my local shopping centre are great if you are a size 8 to 14, but me being a 16, going on 17 (and the rest) could find NOTHING. Well I say nothing, I came home with a jacket from Marks & Spencer's Per Una's range, which makes me look like Sponge Bob Square Pants, only in beautiful shot silk! Fell about laughing when I tried it on with my 'dress' later that evening. Look like that's going to go back pretty soon. All I really need is a cream handbag and matching shoes. Don't know where am I going to get cream shoes from, everything is black or grey here in the UK.

That leads me onto my next subject quiet nicely. Why oh why, when it's gloomy with horrible weather and there is little or no sunshine, do we wear such dull clothes in the winter? Why am I considered and eccentric for daring to wear pink or turquoise? I think if we all dressed in a more colourful fashion in the winter we wouldn't feel so miserable. I would be interested to see if other countries adopted this odd idea of wearing horrible drab colours the minute the sun goes away!

Oh well mes amis, I hope you are all happy and well, I’m off to Cen’s Loft to pick up a fab scrapbook freebie.

Hugs
Susie
x

Blogger Templates

2007-11-07T00:58:00.000Z

Why is it so hard to change you page layout in Blogger? Can anyone point me to a site which can help me choose a different look?

Bras

2007-11-06T11:53:00.000Z

What is the point of bras!

Come on .... they are really not necessary they are uncomfortable and they cost a fortune. Honestly, at the end of the day what is the garment you want to take off most of all, ‘cus it’s killing you ... yes it’s your bra!

And to all the blokes out there who have stumbled over this blog, try wearing a tight band of elastic around your chest from age 11 onwards and you will get what I mean.

Soooooooooooooooooooooo Cute

2007-11-01T21:16:00.000Z

My Monster Profile

2007-10-25T23:15:00.000+01:00

Your Monster Profile

Cruel Gaze

You Feast On: Snow Cones

You Lurk Around In: Movie Theaters

You Especially Like to Torment: Priests

What's Your Monster Name?

My Meez

2007-10-24T23:41:00.000+01:00

Happy Birthday Gina

2007-10-16T14:27:00.000+01:00

So Sad - So Brave

2007-10-16T13:26:00.000+01:00

I've just watched, and cried about that poor, brave girl who's boyfriend died, and she also nearly lost her life in the flooded caves in Thailand. It reminded me about how fragile life is and how random it is. Who decides who lives and who dies? I personally believe that it's down to fate who lives, but we also need to be aware of the possible dangers we put ourselves in and are prepared for them.
I hope the Angel she speaks of helps her to keep strong. I will certainly be thinking of her and hoping she can gather herself and go on with the life she planned.

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