captured on film.

28/365+1 : Fluffy

2012-01-28T09:17:00.003Z

A quick one from me this morning.

Not much fluffy in a house full of boys - now they are older even cuddly toys have been banished to the back of cupboards! But here is my bear - called Fergus - who sits on my bed. I was a cruel mother one day when the boys were little - I took them into Build A bear and bought myself Fergus - and don't think I bought them one!!

Off to Dingwall in a bit for a football competition with Callum - on a bus with a load of 11 year old boys! (I have taken the precaution of consuming some paracetamol before I go!) - don't think there will be too much fluffy up there to take a photo of although I am hoping to see some snow!

Got To Dance : Prodijig

2012-01-27T19:47:00.002Z

Callum and I have been watching the 3rd series of Go To Dance avidly (anything to see the oh so lovely Ashley Banjo!!) When I saw Prodijig for the first time they took my brath away - they are through to the live semi finals and I so hope they go all the way to win. Simply amazing dancing.

27/365+1 : Amazing

2012-01-27T18:09:00.003Z

Today is Friday which in my new scheme of things means shopping day. I might be mad to choose this day of the week to wield a trolley around Asda or Tesco (depending on how the mood takes me) but hubby has every other Friday off work so my shopping expedition has become fortnightly - and he has to accompany me!!!

And my amazing was the display of Easter eggs at the end of one of the aisles - it is still January!!!! I wish I could tell you I was strong and managed to resist the temptation - but a box of 6 creme eggs came home with us!!!!

Skywatch Friday

2012-01-27T07:53:00.003Z

the Moray Firth at Lossiemouth at sun down.

See more skies from around the world here.

26/365+1 : Free Choice

2012-01-26T17:58:00.002Z

Today we have a free choice day! This will happen a few times throughout the year ... photography something that is important or significant for you RIGHT NOW (in other words ... I'm too lazy to think of a word today :D)

Having now word prompt is more difficult than having one!!

But one thing I love taking photos of is the sky - love all the different colours and cloud formations - and I always play along with Skywatch Friday every week.

The evening sky taken from our front garden - love the muted colours and the Instagram effect.

WOYWW 25th January

2012-01-25T20:10:00.002Z

Shock horror - there is actually some scrapping going on on my desk!!

I signed up for a new sketch class before Christmas - and then promptly forgot all about it. I have missed some of the prompts so am playing catch up.

Here are the beginnings of my first page:

Pop over and see Julia to find out what everyone else is up to today.

Chick Lit Challenge 2012 #1

2012-01-25T19:36:00.006Z

I was so pleased when Samantha announced she was going to run the Chick Lit Challenge again this year - you can find out more about it here. The rules are still the same - to read 12 chick lit titles in 2012 but 2 of them must be from debut authors. I picked up so many new books last year after reading peoples reviews which I know I wouldn't have given a second glance to previously.

So here is my first review:

Baby Be Mine by Paige Toon. Probably wouldn't have picked this title up mainly due to the daft name but after reading Rea's review on her blog I thought I would try it.

'He's not mine, is he?' That's the question I fear the most. You see, I have a secret. My son is not fathered by my boyfriend, but by one of the most famous rock stars that ever lived. And he doesn't even know it. One-time celebrity personal assistant to wild boy of rock Johnny Jefferson, Meg Stiles is now settled and living in the south of France with her doting boyfriend Christian and their son Barney. But they're living a lie - a lie that will turn their lives upside down and inside out - because as Barney reaches his first birthday, Meg can no longer deny that her son is growing to look more and more like his rock star father every day, and less and less like Christian, and sooner or later, the world is going to realise ...

From what I can gather Meg and Johnny have appeared in a previous book (which I am sure I will have to read) but I loved both of these main characters - so wanted them to get together properly and be a perfect little family with Barney. I didn't want to put it down and so pleased to find a new author.

25/364+1 : Motionless

2012-01-25T15:37:00.003Z

Don't think these chaps are going anywhere fast!

This is the goat statue which stands outside Johnston's Woollen Mill in town. They are cashmere goats are were a gift to the factory from a very satisfied Chinese client to say thank you for the quality cashmere goods which are produced in the factory.

52 Walks In 2012 : 2

2012-01-24T19:45:00.005Z

A late evening walk from our friends house (where we drank tea and wound her kids up to fever pitch - then left) round to Lossiemouth West beach. The sun was just starting to go down so the light was lovely.

A perfect if a little chilly spot to sit and enjoy the view.

Andy.

Mr Heron minding his own business.

Covesea lighthouse in the distance.

Just love watching the sea.

24/365+1 : Movement

2012-01-24T16:14:00.003Z

Thank heaven for willing volunteers - and children you can bribe to use a photo fodder. My ghostly youngest son after school this afternoon!!

Aurora Borealis

2012-01-23T21:17:00.004Z

Last night the Moray Firth skies were treated to the stunning spectacle that is the aurora borealis. We have been out to Spey Bay twice now but have only seen a faint green glow in the sky - but they say tomorrow night might be better.

This photo was taken at Spey Bay last night (and shared on Facebook) which is only a short drive from where we live - and you must check out his blog for more stunning photographs.

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

2012-01-23T15:54:00.004Z

Welcome to It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well… you never know where that next “must read” book will come from!

I have just finished (only this morning) my second Camilla Lackberg novel - The Stonecutter.. This is the third in the series and I am reading them out of order as I started with the fifth one!

The third psychological thriller from No 1 bestselling Swedish crime sensation Camilla Läckberg.

The remote resort of Fjällbacka has seen its share of tragedy, though perhaps none worse than that of the little girl found in a fisherman's net. But the post-mortem reveals that this is no case of accidental drowning…

Local detective Patrik Hedström has just become a father. It is his grim task to discover who could be behind the methodical murder of a child both he and his partner, Erica, knew well.

He knows the real question - and answer - lies with why. What he does not know is how this case will reach into the dark heart of Fjällbacka and the town's past, and tear aside its idyllic façade, perhaps forever.

This is definitely a darker story than The Hidden Child and all the time I was at work I was thinking about getting home so I could read a bit more. A sign of a good book I would say. And I will be reading the rest of the series as soon as I can find them in my local library.

23/365+1 : Hot

2012-01-23T15:47:00.002Z

Predictable I know.

I could have had multiple opportunities to take a photo of a hot drink - it is the first thing I do when I wake up (before going back to bed for half an hour with my book!), at least 2 more cups before I head off to school and work. I never ever turn down a cuppa while I am at work and it is the first thing I do when I get hmoe again after picking Callum up from school. Today my drink of choice is a nice mug of frothy coffe - perfect for a chilly day - when you can see snow on them there hills!

Also used the toaster effect on Instagram which gave it a nice warm glow.

22/365+1 : Glow

2012-01-22T20:53:00.004Z

When I saw today's prompt my first thought was bugger as yesterdays shot was one of a candle. So I am afraid it is candles again today - but three of them this time taken this evening.

21/365+1 : Fire

2012-01-21T16:53:00.002Z

A bit predictable I know - but one of my many candles burning in one of my favourite holders.

Snap 2012 : Week 2

2012-01-20T22:19:00.005Z

This week our theme is temptation.

the desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise
a thing that attracts or tempts someone:

I went for the good old Adam and Eve theme for my photo.

20/365+1 : Sign

2012-01-20T17:08:00.001Z

First signs of Spring in the very chilly North East of Scotland.

Skywatch Friday

2012-01-20T07:15:00.003Z

The Moray Firth taken from Culbin Sands last weekend during our bike ride through the forest.

19/365+1 : Bad for you

2012-01-19T16:25:00.002Z

Had to try hard to stay away from taking any more photos of food.

Todays photo to depict bad for you is Elgin Bus Station in all its glory. Now I have nothing against public transport in general just this bus station in particular. It seems to be populated mainly by people who chain smoke, smell of alcohol (including the father today who had just picked his child up from school!) and foul mouthed youths - mainly girls. I really dislike having to come down here with Callum after school - it is bad for my health and temper!!

I truly believe that if I was visiting the town for the first time and arriving by public transport and the first place I saw was the bus station - I would stay on the bus and go to Inverness!!

But needs must on the days I don't have the car and thankfully it is only a short journey.

18/365+1 : Pleasurable

2012-01-18T19:19:00.002Z

Reading gives me a great deal of pleasure - nothing better than curling up with a good book.

(Amazed this photo turned out OK as those were the glasses I had been wearing so I took the photo blind!!)

17/365+1 : Naughty

2012-01-17T18:30:00.002Z

But nice!

10 Things : January

2012-01-16T19:50:00.004Z

Totally forgot all about this - oops.

I set myself a reading target for 2011 to read and I managed to surpass myself which I was chuffed about so for this month I thought I woulod share my top 10 books I read last year.

The Distant Hours by Kate Morton

Through Thick and Thin by Gok Wan

The Woman He Loved Before by Dorothy Koomson

Don't Say Goodbye by Fiona Stanford

Meet Me At The Cupcake Cafe by Jenny Colgan

The Happy Home For Broken Hearts by Rowan Coleman

The Accidental Adventurer by Ben Fogle

The Hidden Child by Camilla Lackberg

The Beach Cafe by Lucy Diamond

The Earth Hums In B Flat by Mari Strachan.

A bit of an eclectic mix but each one a damn fine read.

16/365+1 : Snack

2012-01-16T17:04:00.003Z

I could have told a fib and posted something wholesome and nutritious - in truth as there is still Christmas cake in the house this is my snack of choice with a cup of tea when I get home from work in the afternoon.

New To You

2012-01-16T16:38:00.001Z

Erika is spring cleaning and has some lovely new to you goodies up for grabs - pop over here and leave a comment - you have to be in it to win it!!

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

2012-01-16T06:53:00.004Z

Welcome to It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well… you never know where that next “must read” book will come from!

I think I remember saying I wasn't going to read James Patterson anymore (except for the Alex Cross and Micheal Bennett ones) as I felt that the quality of the books was going downhill fast - especially they ones the "co wrote" with other authors. But against my better judgement I picked up Now You See Her from the library - and I have to say tha so far it is a real page turner.

A successful lawyer and loving mother, Nina Bloom would do anything to protect the life she's built in New York - including lying to everyone, even her daughter, about her past. But when an innocent man is framed for murder, she knows that she can't let him pay for the real killer's crimes.

Nina's secret life began eighteen years ago. She had looks to die for, a handsome police-officer husband, and a carefree life in Key West. When she learned she was pregnant with their first child, her happiness was almost overwhelming. But Nina's world is shattered when she unearths a terrible secret that causes her to run for her life and change her identity.

Now, years later, Nina risks everything she's earned to return to Florida and confront the murderous evil she fled.

In a story of wrenching suspense, James Patterson gives us his most head-spinning, action-filled story yet - a Hitchcock-like blend of unquenchable drama and pleasure.

This is a stand alone thriller and you just have to keep reading to find out what happens next - all at JPs usual fast pace.

15/365+1 : Generous

2012-01-15T16:28:00.003Z

Had a few ideas for today's prompt but settled for this shot in the end (even though it is stretching it slightly!!)- a generous amount of frost on this fir tree I spotted during our bike ride around Culbin forest today - by heck it was chilly!!

14/365+1: Guilty Pleasure

2012-01-14T12:34:00.006Z

We all have them - those little things we know we shouldn't enjoy, but we just do! It might be watching X-Factor, or woofing up the leftover roast potatoes, or maybe just a long bubble bath when you know you should be doing a million other things!

I would probably agree with all of the above - but one of my biggest guilty pleasures is reading chick lit. The book snobs out there (and there are many - although I suspect those people who profess to read only more intellectual tomes probably have a Jilly Cooper of two packed away somewhere!!)

I love a good chick lit and after participating in the Chick Lit challenge last year (enjoyed it so much I am playing along this year too) I have read some pretty great books that I don't think I would have read otherwise.

13/365+1 : Inside Your Fridge

2012-01-13T18:15:00.003Z

A strange one for today - maybe because it is Friday 13th. I'm not at all superstitious - think it's all a load nonsense - so will probably have jinxed myself now!!

Today we have to show the contents of our fridge - so here is mine - warts and all - as I decided not to tidy it first. Not too bad - nice and full as I went shopping on Wednesday.

Skywatch Friday

2012-01-13T17:24:00.003Z

Gulls flying over Roseisle Beach with the hint of a rainbow in the distance.

See more skies from around the world here.

Snap 2012 : Week 1

2012-01-12T16:16:00.005Z

Snap 2012 is a year long photography project being run by Suzie (she has her hands full as she is the brains behind 365+1 too) over on UK Scrappers. It looks as though the 2 projects are going to run side by side so I thought I would give them both a go.

Every Friday, the theme for the week will be posted on the Home Page. Further details will be found here in the Photography forum with a few more prompts around the theme. The theme might be linked to events happening in the world at the time, or might simply be a random theme my self-combusting brain cells spit out. Each week, I will also post a photographic tip that will teach you how to improve your photos - these might be basic tips on storing or organising your photos, or tips on framing, lighting, subjects, or they might be tips on editing your photos, using cool tools and filters to add a bit of fun. There will be something for everyone!

This weeks word is cold and there have been some fab photos in the UKS gallery. Typically the weather wasn't going to cooperate and we have been completely snow and frost free - never fear there is still time for some of the white stuff!! I have taken a photo of this sign by the pond in our local park before but only when is has been quite apt - but I do like the bright yellow sign against the more muted colours of the water and the birds.

12/365+1 : Translucent

2012-01-12T15:48:00.002Z

Hands up to say I struggled with this one - have been thinking about it all day at work. Then I decided to have a rummage in Callum's bedroom and came across his stash of marbles - and hey presto - quite pleased with how it turned out.

11/365+1 : Item of Clothing

2012-01-11T19:37:00.002Z

Close up of Sam's jeans - love the vintage feel to this Instagram shot.

10/365+1 : Metallic

2012-01-10T16:54:00.002Z

Wasn't quite sure what I was going to photogrpah for today's prompt - until we spotted this poor discarded fork on the cobbles outside the town hall - wonder how it cam to be there??

9/365+1 : Water

2012-01-09T16:11:00.003Z

The pond in my local park - am surprised how well the photo came out bearing in mind it was taken on my phone - I was trying to get a photo of one of the resident swan family but they were too far away.

Skywatch Friday

2012-01-09T06:57:00.003Z

The first Skywatch of 2012 and I forgot about it completely!

This is a shot from our walk on Lossiemouth West Beach on New Years Day - yes it was cold but just look at that beautiful blue sky - and the lack of people!!

See more skies from around the world here.

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

2012-01-09T06:46:00.006Z

Welcome to It's Monday! What Are You Reading? This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well...you never know where that next "must read" book will come from!

I picked Kate's Wedding from the library as I have read some of her earlier books (but when did she go from Chris Manby to Chrissie Manby??)and had enjoyed them.

Thirty-nine-year-old Kate had almost given up on love when she met her fiancé. Now she's planning for the wedding she never dreamed she'd have. But things seem to be slipping out of her control.

Diana, born on the day of the 1981 Royal Wedding, never doubted that one day she would find her prince. Newly engaged, and with daddy's credit card in her grasp, she's in full Bridezilla mode.

Against the backdrop of the other couple getting married in April 2011, both women prepare for the most important day of their lives. But will each bride get her perfect day? Or will it all become a right royal fiasco?

Wedding do feature heavily in this story - but it is all a bit tongue in cheek - and obviously with 2 brides called Diane and Kate there are going to be royal similarities. I am enjoying this one far more than I thought I would - an amusing tale to curl up and get lost in.

Please pop over to The Book Journey and see what everyone else is reading today.

8/365+1 : Cosy

2012-01-08T16:33:00.003Z

Today's word is COSY - perfect for a lazy Sunday. We had a late night last night so haven't done much today as it has been rather grey outside - perfect for staying in and doing some baking and a spot of reading.

My cosy is my fleecy penguin hot water bottle.

7/365+1 : Drink

2012-01-07T17:18:00.005Z

As tonight designated driver my drink will be of the non alcoholic kind. Spotted this in Asda and as a fan of normal Crabbies I am sure this will be great - and only 9 calories a bottle. (Although fact that we are going to friends for an Indian takeaway will make this fact totally irrelevant!!)

6/365+1 : Frosty

2012-01-06T17:17:00.004Z

Struggled with this one a bit as it was nowhere near cold enough for a frost up here today (makes a change!!) So here is my little knitted snowman - not sure if it was my Mum who knitted him many years ago - but somehow one year he missed being put away in the Christmas decoration box - and has evaded capture ever since - preferring to live in my bedside cabinet.

Here is Mr Frosty:

Family x 12 Blog Hop : January

2012-01-06T07:22:00.004Z

With the boys going back to school yesterday after the Christmas break I completely forgot all about the blog hop - apologies!

Managed to grab another shot of the 4 of us together on a post Christmas walk through Culbin forest up to the top of the Hill 99 trail and the watchtower.

Please pop over and see the rest of the blog hop participants - I am sure they will be glad to see you:

Margie
Ruth
Jo
Monica
Patricia
Carol Anne

5/365+1 : Excitement

2012-01-05T17:39:00.002Z

Probably not very exciting to some - but to me getting a new baking book in the post was about the highlight of my day - especially as it is by the queen of cakes herself Mary Berry.

Bang goes the diet!!

52 Cards Challenge 2012

2012-01-04T18:37:00.003Z

Mystic Nat over on UKS has done it again and is running her 52 cards challenge. I managed the first couple of months last year before I fell by the wayside - must try harder in 2012!

So here is her challenge:

A no-stress challenge aimed at getting you to make a card a week in 2012.
Each week I will post prompts here on my blog - these will either be:

3 prompts randomly picked from the prompt jar
Photo inspiration from Pinterest, etc. (that you can interpret in any way that you like: colours, layout, design elements, product - it's up to you!)
Design elements or themes
An existing card design that you can use as a sketch to create your own interpretation
All you need to do is use the prompts as inspiration to create a card - if you can't include all the elements of a prompt, don't worry - there are no rules, the aim is simply to get creating!

Theme = New (new beginnings, baby, home or simply using new stash - the choice is yours!)
Circles
Scallops

This is what I came up with. The papers are Sugared by Basic Grey from a 6x6 pad. I have used a scalloped border punch and a circular sentiment from Personal Impressions. The flower is from a Tim Holtz die "tattered florals" which I have had for a while but had never even been opened!

4/365+1 : Pretty

2012-01-04T15:36:00.004Z

The gorgeous necklace my boys bought me for Christmas.

It is made of tin and came with a card that said : "Flowers, stars and hearts, timeless symbols of love and friendship are delicately shaped by hand from carefully selected biscuit, sweet and chocolate tins to create this pretty piece of jewellery."

How apt for me!!

You can find the designers website here and her Facebook page here.

52 Walks in 2012 : 1

2012-01-03T15:47:00.010Z

I joined in with this photography project in 2010 and really enjoyed it - and for 2012 it has been resurrected over on UKS. Looks as though there are a great bunch of girls taking part this year - many of us are also taking part in Snap 2012 and 365+1 in 2012.

Lossiemouth West Beach.

We started out the New Year with a walk along a virtually deserted beach - a few folk around including a chap and his spotty dog who told us he was trying to run off hi hangover!!!

I was chilly and as you can see we enjoyed beautiful sunshine and blue skies.

Had to go for a paddle!

An almost deserted beach.

Shadow fun!

3/365+1 : Ugly

2012-01-03T11:24:00.001Z

Is there something you see every day that you think is ugly? What makes you feel ugly? What puts you (or someone else!) in an ugly mood?

It's an ugly job - but someones got to do it! (But back to work tomorrow so it had to be done.)

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

2012-01-02T18:03:00.007Z

I almost forgot it was Monday - Christmas and New Year has made me lose all track of the days.

I have started a new book for the new year - The Making Of Us by Lisa Jewell. I was a little bit disappointed by the last book I read of hers but although I am only a few chapters in I can tell this one is going to be a whole lot better.

In a hospice in Bury St Edmunds, a man called Daniel is slowly fading away. His friend Maggie sits with him every day; she holds his hand and she listens to the story of his life, to his regrets and to his secrets. And then he tells her about the children he has never met and never will. He talks of them wistfully. His legacy, he calls them. Lydia, Dean and Robyn don't know each other. Yet. And they are all facing difficult changes. Lydia is still wearing the scars from her traumatic childhood and although she is wealthy and successful, her life is lonely and disjointed. Dean is a young man, burdened with unexpected responsibility, whose life is going nowhere. And Robyn wants to be a doctor, just like her father - a man she's never met. But is her whole life built on an illusion? Three people leading three very different lives. All lost. All looking for something. But when they slowly find their way into each other's lives, everything starts to change ...

I managed to read 88 books in 2011 which I am amazed about so over on Goodreads I have upped the game and challenged myself to read 100 in 2012. Have you set any reading goals for the new year?

2/365+1 : New

2012-01-02T17:57:00.004Z

Did you get an amazing new present for Christmas? Are you turning over a new leaf? Starting some new resolutions to create a new you? Whatever is new in your world, I want to see it!

Here is what is new for us - an ipad. I know it is just another gadget (probably more of a toy to be honest) but we are all enjoying playing with it. The boys especially love some of the games - highly addictive some of them!! I am loving the photo apps like instagram and snapseed.

1/365+1 : Celebrate

2012-01-02T10:09:00.009Z

I think at some point I vowed not to do another 365 photo a day project after 2010 where it seemed to drag on and on. But Suzie over on UKS has come up with a fab new project for the new year:

Beginning on 1 January 2012, every day I will post a word. I'll Tweet it and Facebook it too. You do NOT have to use this word, but should you feel so inclined, snap a picture inspired by the word. Or inspired by anything that is happening in your life RIGHT NOW. Upload your photo to your blog if you have one, Facebook it (I know you have that!), Tweet it, Instagram it, Flickr it, (I will set up a cozy group just for us ... I'll probably call it Suzies365ers, as I'm such an egomaniac). And that's the end of your obligation. At the end of the year, you will have a fantastically marvellous account of what you got up to/were inspired by in the wonderful year of 2012, when Suzie turned 40! What more could you ask for?!

There seems to be lots of people playing along - some with phones and some with cameras - I am going to see if I can play along with Instagram on the ipad although I might get tired of having to move photos onto the ipad to use the app before I can post them on my blog but we will see. So still undecided - to Instagram or not - what do you think??

So rather predictably yesterdays word was CELEBRATE and here is my take on it:

Now I'm not much of a drinker (the odd glass of wine - I choose wine wine by how pretty the label is and afraid the red variety deserves only to be put on chips in my opinion) But when I do fins something I like (Magners and Crabbies) I stick to it. But a visit to Baxters with our visitors I discovered Atholl Brose as they had a wee whisky tasting session going on - and it is lovely just over ice. Plus it is made right here in Elgin - so would have been rude not too!!

So happy new year to everyone - whether I stick to this project remains to be seen - maybe my word for 2012 should be persevere!!

Instagram Fun

2011-12-31T09:00:00.003Z

Santa was very good to us and brought us an ipad2 - it has proved a huge hit with the boys who are using it to play highly addictive games (air hockey and fruit slice are my favourites!!)

But what I am most chuffed with is Instagram - and this was the only reason I wanted an iphone but it seemed like too much money to shell out just for a phone app! Here are some of my recent photos - and with any luck we will get out again either today or tomorrow for another walk.

I am taking part in a new photography project for 2012 and am thinking it might be fun to play along in this format.

More fresh air

2011-12-27T18:17:00.009Z

Another day and another chance to drag our guests out for another walk and show them more of the Scottish countryside. This time we headed over to Culbin forest and a walk along the Hill 99 trail.

Totem pole in the woods.

Callum pulling an odd face as per normal.

Andy and Will.

A rare photo of the four of us together.

Not sure why Uncle Will is trying to eat Callum!!

And some photos of pinecones - because I could!

And the walk was followed by a visit to Brodie Countryfare for a yummy lunch.

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

2011-12-26T16:12:00.004Z

A quiet time for reading for me as I have a houseful of visitors at the moment and for once here is some half decent programmes on the telly to watch.

I picked up Bringing Up Scarlett by Annie Sanders in my local library as I have read some of her books before and have enjoyed them. This one has started slowly but the story is starting to bui,d and I think I am really going to enjoy it - once I get some peace and quiet!!!!

Review
'A tricky subject matter but one Annie Sanders has handled perfectly, and woven a superb around too. With a set of extremely likeable characters... there is something there for everyone to love and the touching emotional story at the heart of it will surely pull on the heart strings of every reader... Brilliant' (CHICLIT REVIEWS )

'This heart-warming novel is a great summer read.' (SOUTH WALES ARGUS )
Book Description
It's not the promises we make that count, it's the ones we keep...

Pop over to The Book Journey and see what everyone else is reading during the festivities.

Christmas Day Walk

2011-12-26T15:47:00.003Z

We have a sort of tradition in our house that we have to go out for a walk whilst lunch is cooking - and more often that not we head over to Lossiemouth Beach as it isn't too far to go.

Last year we walked through the snow on the beach which was a bit of a surreal experience - this year it was beautiful blue skies and sunshine - and a force 9 gale!!

Needless to say we didn't stay too long as it felt,like we were being sandblasted to death - but I did manage to take some photos:

Happy Christmas

2011-12-24T21:51:00.004Z

To everyone who visits this little part of blogland - thank you all so much for your comments over the last 12 months - and hope to see you all again in 2012 ♥

52 Weeks In B&W : Week 52

2011-12-24T08:28:00.001Z

Another gravestone shot from Elgin Cathedral.

Skywatch Friday

2011-12-23T08:09:00.004Z

We have no snow at the moment (boo hiss!) so will have to make do with a snowy photo from the other weekend.

See more skies from around the world here.

WOYWW 21st December

2011-12-21T18:26:00.004Z

Another late in the day post.

I have a few more Christmas cards to make but they are for family so no rush to get them in the post or anything. I was lucky to nab the very last red Martha Stewart Christmas paper pack from my local shop for local people. It is gorgeous - all Nordic looking with plenty of reindeer. It came with some gorgeous felt embellishments along with stickers, gems and die cuts - all for under £15.00.

The 2 little gingerbread chaps were cut out at my local crop using Erikas die - and these might end up of cards for the boys.

And I am trying to finish off the 4 pages I started at the crop on Sunday - I am bad for bringing them home half finished and then sticking them away and not finihsing them off! This is one of the wild black bears we saw whie we were in the Smoky Mountain in America earlier in the year.

Please pop over and see Julia at The Stamping Ground (http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/) and find out what everyone else has been up to today.

Military Wives Choir

2011-12-19T21:40:00.004Z

The Military Wives Choir was the product of the BBC Two reality show The Choir. Proceeds from their single will go to The Royal British Legion and SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) Forces Help.

The single went on sale today and I for one will be buying a copy. I have to admit the only reason I watched the first programme was because we spent 6 very happy years posted at what was then RAF Chivenor when Andy was on Search and Rescue. We loved seeing all the different places shown in the show (including both of our married quarters and the play park where Sam used to play!)

Have everything crossed that they reach number one and knock X Factor off the top of the charts for Christmas.

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

2011-12-19T06:45:00.006Z

This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well… you never know where that next “must read” book will come from!

Gwenni Morgan is not like any other girl in this small Welsh town. Inquisitive, bookish and full of spirit, she can fly in her sleep and loves playing detective. So when a neighbour mysteriously vanishes, and no one seems to be asking the right questions, Gwenni decides to conduct her own investigation. She records everything she sees and hears: but are her deductions correct? What is the real truth? And what will be the consequences of finding out, for Gwenni, her family and her community?

I picked The Earth Hums In B Flat by Mari Strachan up after reading the review my fellow reader and scrapbooker Donna has written on Goodreads - thought it sounded interesting and a bit different. The story is told by Gwenni, a twelve-year-old-girl living in a small Welsh town in the 1950's. She is trying to find out the truth behind the disappearance of a neighbour but discovers there are secrets in her own family. It is both funny and sad - but a beautiful story - and a fabulous debut novel by this author. I woke up extra early this morning just so I could finish it!!!

Have just found out she has written another book called Blow On A Dead Man's Embers - will have to find a copy of that one next.

Christmas Crop

2011-12-18T20:19:00.013Z

Today was the final Hopeman crop of the year and when the snow started falling last night I feared it might be cancelled which was what happened last year.

We have been meeting up in the Memorial Hall in the village for over a year now and I have to say they are a lovely bunch of girls - and as always we had such a laugh! To mark the festive season we had a longer than normal crop from 10.30am till 6pm and everyone brought along something to eat. I have to say there was enough foo d on the table to sink a battleship - but this crafting lark is a serious business and you need to keep your strength up!!

Here are some photos of our day.

Key Lime pie made by Kate.

Erika made everyone a little goody bag - containing some yummy Tim Holtz birdcage chipboard.

Everyone hard at work.

Erika also made some delicious banana muffins complete with Santa and glitter.

Sarah managed to knit a whole scarf - afraid I didn't manage to capture her in full concentration mode - with her tongue sticking out!!

I managed to take up 2 spaces and this was the mess I made.

And finally Clare hard at work.

Snow Day

2011-12-18T07:23:00.003Z

Last Sunday we woke to another covering of the white stuff - and me being a big kid wanted to go out in it! The boys were too engrossed in XBox games so Andy and I went for a walk along the Linky which is the stream that runs behind our house - stopping off at the deli at the end of our road for a delicious lunch. Can't fault it!!

52 Weeks In B&W : Week 51

2011-12-17T15:01:00.005Z

I think my numbering has gone a little astray but not to worry.

This is part of the graveyard at Elgin cathedral.

Skywatch Friday

2011-12-16T06:51:00.003Z

The view from a snowy walk along the stream behind our house - you can just make out the wind farm on the hills in the distance.

WOYWW 14th December

2011-12-14T20:27:00.009Z

A bit late in the day but never mind.

My desk has been temporarily cleared and "operation Christmas card" has been completed and are now all signed and sealed and waiting to go to the Post Office in the morning.

I wasn't very adventurous this year so went for the less it more approach and as I couldn't bear to have a production line in operation I only made a few of each design - here is a selection:

Plain cream and white using the Martha Stewart dove punch and Personal Impressions stamp.

These cards were made using the free stamp that came with Craft Stamper magazine recently. And I used up scraps of Basic Grey 'Figgy' 6x6 pad.

And I think this is my favourite one using a Craft Concepts embossing folder through my Cuttlebug and some pearls.

Pop over and see Julia at the Stamping Ground to see what everyone else has been up to.

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

2011-12-12T06:54:00.003Z

This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well… you never know where that next “must read” book will come from!

Not really sure why I picked Swimming Pool Sunday by Madeleine Wickham (aka Sophie Kinsella) to read over the weekend - it is about summer days and swimming (with a darker undertone) when I should really be reading something more Christmassy (as I am still feeling quite baa humbug!) But I am enjoying it - it is light and quick to read - perfect for these dark evenings. And I have just found out that this author is bringing out a new book in February next year - which is great as I think that I have read all but one of her books so far.

On a shimmeringly hot Sunday in May, Louise is at a neighbour's pool with her daughters - and glaring at her resentfully is her estranged husband Barnaby. While the children splash and shriek in the cool, blue waters, she lies blissfully back in the sun and dreams of Cassian, the charismatic new lawyer in her life.The day seems perfect.

But suddenly the bliss is shattered. The consequences of a terrible accident develop into a drama of recriminations, jealousy and legal power-play. Friendships crumble, the village is split, and the needs of a child become secondary to the dangerous contest in which the grown-ups are engaged.

Pop over to The Book Journey and see what everyone else is reading today.

10 Things : December

2011-12-10T11:02:00.007Z

It is the tenth of the month today over on Shimelle's blog - and in honour of this part of the country getting more of the white stuff overnight here are 10 snowy photographs from last years snow - and I will be going out for a wintry walk later with my camera so should get some more shots.

52 Weeks In B&W : Week 50

2011-12-10T08:27:00.001Z

The top of my very frosty car one morning this week - I love this cold weather!

52 Weeks In B&W : Week 49

2011-12-10T08:25:00.002Z

Andy on a walk up to Linn Falls in Aberlour - please excuse the facial hair - it was all in aid of Movember (and has since been shaved off -yeah!!)

Skywatch Friday

2011-12-09T06:36:00.004Z

The early morning view from my house the other week.

See more skies from around the world here.

WOYWW 7th December

2011-12-07T07:53:00.004Z

Today I am mostly trying to make Christmas cards - with "trying" being the operative word! Only managed 3 so far - so it will be a select few who get a handmade card from me this year.

Pop over and see Julia at The Stamping Ground to see what everyone else is up to today - probably being a lot more creative than me!

Happy Christmas from HM Forces

2011-12-06T17:13:00.005Z

This made me smile this morning.

HMS Ocean has been away for almost 8 months - although it was originally planned for them to be away for 7 weeks - until they were diverted to Libya and other operations.perations

The ship will be back on 9th December after 7½ months away - 225 days with 176 of those at sea

400 people onboard (at peak during the amphibious exercises just under 900 onboard but approx 650 during Op Ellamy)
Steamed just over 40,000 miles
Burned approx 6,000 tonnes of fuel
Operated 16 different type of aircraft off the deck

Realities of deploying:

15 babies born while the ship has been away (fathers did get home to see mum and baby)
5 people were sent home so they didn't miss their own weddings.
1 sailor whose son's third birthday is on homecoming. Family meeting ship

Ships company have missed:

Summer holidays.
Children's exam results
Children finishing school and starting university
The Padre missed his daughter's graduation.

The ship's company made a Christmas DVD when they heard they would be home for Christmas.

Hope all the boys and girls have a fabulous Christmas at home after all that.

Family x 12 Blog Hop : Decmeber

2011-12-05T16:52:00.003Z

I had no problems getting a family photo of the four of us last month - this one was taken on my birthday so they couldn't argue with me. We had been out for a delicious Sunday lunch and decided to go for a walk along Findhorn beach to walk some of it off. The was a chap taking photos of the sunset so I asked him nicely if he would take a photo of us which he duly did - thank you to that stranger!!!

Not so many of us blog hopping today - but everyone is busy with Christmas preparations. My preparations so far consist of buying a few presents and Christmas tree putting up avoidance - I am trying to convince the boys that Christmas Eve is soon enough!!!!

Margie
Jo <- you are here
Melissa
Monica

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

2011-12-05T06:23:00.004Z

This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well… you never know where that next “must read” book will come from!

Today I am reading Afterwards by Rosamund Lupton as it has been in my library book for a while now. I read her debut book Sister a while ago and loved it and so far this book is shaping up to be just as good.

There is a fire and they are in There. They are in there . . .
Black smoke stains a summer blue sky. A school is on fire. And one mother, Grace, sees the smoke and runs. She knows her teenage daughter Jenny is inside. She runs into the burning building to rescue her.
Afterwards, Grace must find the identity of the arsonist and protect her family from the person who's still intent on destroying them. Afterwards, she must fight the limits of her physical strength and discover the limitlessness of love.

It reminds me of The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger and The Lovely Bones by Anna Sebold.

Pop over to The Book Journey to see what everyone else is reading this week.

Snow fun

2011-12-04T19:14:00.002Z

The weather men have been threatening it for a few days now but last night it finally decided to snow - and anyone who knows me will know how happy that makes me!! I wasn't sure about the accompanying thunderstorm at half ten last night - a bit strange.

I know it is only a dusting but it is the start of things to come. Please note the reappearance of our car back on the driveway where it belongs - albeit temporarily. With Saab UK going into receivership this week we did wonder if we would see it all back together again. After 4 weeks it still isn't fixed but the garage are coming on Friday to take it away again and hopefully this will be the last time it needs to go to car hospital.

Skywatch Friday

2011-12-02T07:55:00.003Z

Not many leaves left on the trees now - but a beautiful blue sky.

See more skies from around the world here.

12 Days Of Christmas

2011-12-01T17:02:00.005Z

I think I might have bitten off more than I can chew this month - I have signed up (again) for CJs 12 Days Of Christmas photography class, I am playing along with Image Quest over on Facebook with a daily photography prompt for each day this month - and for some reason I thought I would have another go at Shimelles Journal Your Christmas after last years aborted attempt.

Our homework for the 12 Days class was a festive self portrait to use as our avatar over on the forum. I had a few goes at this with various props - mince pies, Starbucks cups and some wacky glasses shaped like snowflakes!! In the end I had my face painted at Callums school fete - I was the only adult to ask his class teacher Mrs King to be faced painted - well it was all for a good cause I suppose! So she painted the most gorgeous glittery snowman on my cheek - it seemed such a shame to was it off at the end of the day.

Our prompt on Image Quest was advent - and here is my advent candle:

WOYWW 30th November

2011-11-30T16:40:00.006Z

Not a lot of paper crafting that is for sure!

My JYC/December Daily album hasn't even been started so as it's 1st December tomorrow I will be winging it again and making the pages as I go along. But whilst rummaging around for Christmas stash I did find a Kaisercraft wooden advent tree to decorate - if I start it now it might be finished for next Christmas!

So back to what I have been doing. I have dusted off my knitting needles and have made myself a scarf using some funky ribbon web yarn which I bought in the most gorgeous wool shop in Aberlour the other weekend. I popped back into the same shop this afternoon to buy some more wool to make another one as a Christmas pressie and I took my completed scarf along. Mine is a lot tighter knit than the ones in the shop and the shop keeper had a look at it for me. She says I have made my stitches closer together than her - so the dilemma is do I unravel it all and start again or leave it be? Would only take a couple of evenings to remake it so I might just give it a go.

Please pop over to see Julie at The Stamping Ground to see what everyone else has been up to.

I ♥ my Kindle

2011-11-29T19:40:00.004Z

And I love it even more now it has a gorgeous new cover.

This was my first ever purchase from Etsy - you can get all manner of loveliness from that site and I took a long time deliberating over my choice.

I bought it from Crabtree Lane - you should pop over for a look.

Made to snugly fit the Amazon Kindle 3 / 3G this cover is hand-made with black and cream Japanese linen, printed with a 35mm style camera motif. The cover has a cream cotton inner.
The cover has a matching envelope style flap with black and cream dots, black elastic loop and matching button.
This would make a great gift for people who like to have something a little different and more original from all those black carry cases on the market!

It was exactly what I was after - so much more funky than the standard mass produced fake leather ones I had seen everywhere.

Even better was that the new Agatha Raisin novel was the Kindle deal of the day yesterday - a steal for £1.14!!

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

2011-11-28T06:29:00.004Z

This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well… you never know where that next “must read” book will come from!

I am reading Lessons In Laughing Out Loud by Rowan Coleman. I have only read one of her books before which was The Happy Home For Broken Hearts which I thoroughly enjoyed. It has taken me longer to get into this book - I think it is because I can't seem to warm to any of the main characters that much - but it is picking up sped now I am just over half way through it.

Willow and Holly are identical twins. They are everything to each other. Holly calls Willow her rock, her soul mate, her other half. And Willow feels the same about Holly. They are alike in every respect except one - Willow is afraid on the inside. And all because of a secret - one that binds the sisters closely together and yet has meant their adult lives have taken two very different paths.

Willow often feels there are large parts of her missing, qualities she only knows she's lacking because she sees them in her sister. For a very long time Willow has felt separated from Holly by one terrible moment in time - a moment that meant Willow's life was never the same again. And when the past catches up with her, Willow realises it's finally time for her to face her fears, and - with Holly's help - learn to laugh out loud once more...

Pop over to The Book Journey to see what everyone else is reading today.

52 Weeks In B&W : Week 48

2011-11-26T13:20:00.001Z

A headstone in a churchyard in Aberlour.

Skywatch Friday

2011-11-25T06:38:00.002Z

A wintry Findhorn Beach taken on my birthday.

See more skies from around the world here.

WOYWW 23rd November

2011-11-23T20:42:00.006Z

There appears to be a lot of "stuff" on my desk today - but I have to be honest and say that there isn't a lot of action to go with it!!!

I am working on one of Shimelle's sketches of the week in an attempt to scrap some more holiday photos - this is one of Sam on the beach at Destin in Florida. Funny I was looking at these photos last night and I have just found out that my brother in law and his family are on their way back down to Destin as I type for Thanksgiving - they are staying in the very same hotel we stayed in - not jealous at all!!!

An almost completed page from Pretty Paper Party - it is missing something but I'm not sure what.

I am still procrastinating about Journal Your Christmas/December Daily. I bought this kraft A5 ring binder, some kraft pages and some divided page protectors in Paperchase last month - and then spookily I read that Laura is using the very same thing for her album (I'm not copying honest!) I'm not buying any new Christmas papers though as I probably have more than enough if I look for them. I tend to buy Christmas papers as they are so lovely but never use them - might use this "vintage" October Afternoon Be Merry ones. What do you think???

Pop over to The Stamping Ground to see what everyone else is up to today.

Pretty Paper Party : Prompt 2

2011-11-21T19:11:00.003Z

For prompt 2 we had to be brave and use a whole sheet of patterned paper to become the background for our page.

I picked out the only remaining whole sheet from the Basic Grey Origins range - I only had scraps left of the rest of the papers. I used one of the sketches Shimelle provided and turned it into another page for my holiday album.

I quite like how it turned out so I might be brave and have another go!!

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

2011-11-21T06:55:00.005Z

This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well… you never know where that next “must read” book will come from!

A bit of a slow reading week last week for some reason.

I am currently reading After The Party by Lisa Jewell which is the follow up to her earlier book Ralph's Party which I read recently.

Eleven years ago, Jem Catterick and Ralph McLeary fell in love. They thought it would be for ever, that they'd found their happy ending.

Then two became four, a flat became a house. Romantic nights out became sleepless nights in. And they soon found that life wasn't quite so simple any more.

Now the unimaginable has happened. Two people who were so right together are starting to drift apart - Ralph is standing on the sidelines, and Jem is losing herself. Something has to change. As they try to find a way back to each other, back to what they once had, they both become dangerously distracted - but maybe it's not too late to recapture happily ever after ...

I have to admit not particularly liking the main characters of Ralph, Jem and Smith in the first book so wasn't expecting great things from the follow up. But I have been pleasantly surprised- maybe because the writing seems a bit more down to earth and the storyline a bit more believable.

I am sure I have another book in my pile from this author - quite looking forward to starting it now.

Pop over to The Book Journey and see what everyone else is reading today.h

Just the 2 of us.

2011-11-20T17:15:00.018Z

On Saturday Andy and I found ourselves on our own - Sam was off to Glasgow for a kickboxing competition and Callum was taking part in the Moray Primary Schools Badminton challenge at Speyside High School. We had a few hours to kill so here is what we did:

We had a wander around the village of Aberlour. I am ashamed to say it is a place we normally drive straight though on our way down south.

We walked up to Linn Falls:

We then walked back down and along the river - and whilst we were walking we heard a splash. So we stopped and looked and was amazed to see a large trout navigating it's way up the River Linn. As we watched we saw a total of 4 salmon all trying to find their way through the stones in the shallow water. They must have swum up the Rover Spey and into the Linn in order to reach their spawning grounds. I was so pleased to have seen them as I have never seen Salmon in the wild before - one day I hope to see them leaping. You will have to look closely at the photos in order to spot the fish - but they are there - honest!!

Then we popped into a local cafe called Fresh for a coffee and the most delicious (and huge) fruit scone I have had - but neither lasted long!!

Finally I popped into a magical wool shop - I have never seen so many different sorts of funky wool - you can forget your balls of DK wool in single colours - this shop had a rainbow of the most beautiful balls of multicoloured wool. Now I'm not much of a knitter but the lady in the shop was so helpful and enthusiastic that I have come away with some wool to make a gorgeous lacy scarf - but whether or not I actually finish it is another matter.

On the way back to the car I spotted this stunning "shed" in a back garden - wouldn't it make a perfect craft room??

52 Weeks In B&W : Week 47

2011-11-19T08:06:00.002Z

Dandelion head.

Skywatch Friday

2011-11-18T07:23:00.005Z

Season 5, Episode 19.

Early morning - the view from my house earlier in the week - the sky was so beautiful.

See more skies from around the world here.

Team Crop Night/Pretty Paper Party

2011-11-16T18:45:00.006Z

My team, the Scatty Scrappers, hold a team crop night once a month. This time the challenge was set by Dawn.

She used this page from the Elle's Studio blog for inspiration and lucky for me it included the following sketch:

Dawn also added that we had to use a photo of ourselves(eeek) and it had to be either one large photo or a couple of smaller ones. We also had to include some journalling about ourselves on the page - I haven't yet done that part but the one side of my photo isn't stuck down so I can add some hidden journalling. A big thank you to Christel for the lend of her fabby butterfly punch.

I also based this page on prompt 3 from Shimelles Pretty Paper Party which challenged us to make pages with plenty of patterned papers. Her idea was as follows:

Start with 11 full sheets of patterned paper which could include 5 x small one colour prints, 3 x small multi colour prints, 2 x large multi colour prints suitable for cutting and 1 x multi coloured stripe to pull it all together.

From this selection Shimelle managed to produce 6 pages and a card - wonder how many I will manage? I have used a Scrapagogo kit from last August called Tokyo Garden and have added some papers to it - this is my first page from that selection.

WOYWW 16th November

2011-11-16T06:45:00.003Z

It was my local crop on Sunday - and a good time was had by all.

As per usual I took too much stuff with me but managed to make a start on 3 more pages for Shimelles Pretty Paper Party class - Sharon who was sitting with me had the same idea and she kept prompting me when I was stuck for ideas!!

Now I never actually manage to complete a page while I am at the crop - I always have to finish them off at home - usually because it either needs a title or some journalling.

I have managed to finish 2 out of the 3 pages I started and here is the last one. It is for the 2nd of Shimelles prompts (yes - I am that far behind!) so I am using spots and stripes, I have had to remove the letter stickers once - as I have real problems in sticking anything down so that it looks level!

Pop over and see Julia at The Stamping Ground to see what everyone else is up to today.

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

2011-11-14T06:40:00.007Z

I have 2 books on the go at the moment - one a proper book and one a Kindle version. I don't usually read 2 books at the same time as I am easily confused!!

First up is Blood, Sweat and Tears by the adventurer and TV personality Bear Grylls:

Bear Grylls' prime-time TV adventure series is one of the most watched shows on the planet, reaching an estimated 1.2 billion viewers in over 180 countries.

Bear has authored eleven books and, as a former member of the UK Special Forces, was made an honorary Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy. He continues to lead record-breaking expeditions to the world's extremes, and these missions have raised over £1.5 million for children's charities.

Bear recently took over as the youngest ever Chief Scout to the Scouting Association, acting as the figurehead to 28 million Scouts around the globe.

He lives with his wife, Shara, and their three sons, Jesse, Marmaduke and Huckleberry, on a Dutch barge in London and on a small remote island off the coast of Wales.

The boys enjoy watching his programmes - and I have to say there is something quite endearing about him - despite the claims that he doesn't always really rough it out doors - preferring to be taken to hotels overnight!! But quite interesting so far - he knew James Blunt whilst he was a student and went to Eton.

I am also reasing Off Leash by Jenna Anderson - an e book which I won over on the Chick Lit Challenge.

Candice Gunderson and her purebred pooch, Phoebe, are driving through the Indiana countryside on their way to an appointment with a dog breeder. If all goes as planned, the “meeting” with Charles the Conqueror will result in a lovely litter of puppies.

Unfortunately, Candice is hopelessly lost, the GPS in her car has gone haywire, and she needs to find a bathroom in the worst way. The pair pulls up alongside a little house in hopes of finding some helpful inhabitants.

What she finds is Bull Ramsey, a cute farmer, and his mutt, Jack, who is more than happy to have a “meeting” of his own with Phoebe.

Candice is determined to maintain control of the situation and prove she is an independent woman. A few unexpected events and mischievous farm animals won’t interfere with her plans. She can handle this, right?

~ * ~

Dear Reader: Are you on your way to sit through another soccer practice? Looking forward to a soak in the tub? Did you just finish an intense read and your mind is a bit frazzled? Well, I’d like to suggest this sweet romance novella for your reading pleasure. Off Leash is a light, quick read full of silliness, dogs, budding romance, and maybe even a goat or two. The story is 27,000 words or approximately 80 print pages. You have just enough time for that.

Enjoy.

~ Jenna

This is only ashort book but perfect for reading when you have the odd five minues.

Pop over to The Book Journey to see what everyone else is reading today.

52 Weeks In B&W : Week 46

2011-11-12T09:02:00.000Z

A dried seed head of a thistle like plant we found on our nature walk.

11.11.11

2011-11-11T06:52:00.007Z

n Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Today I have learnt something - that the Scottish poppy is different to those sold in England and Wales. In Scotland, about five million poppies are distributed each year by Poppyscotland, but they look slightly different. Unlike the standard two petals and a single green leaf, the Scottish ones have four petals and no leaf and "is botanically correct" There's also a financial reason for the difference - adding a leaf would cost an extra £15,000 ($24,000) a year.

This is the more usual poppy sold in this country:

And this is the Scottish version:

I will be wearing mine with pride today. I like the idea of these wristbands which have also been on sale but haven't been able to find one:

Skywatch Friday

2011-11-11T06:44:00.003Z

Another photo from my birthday stroll across Findhorn Beach at the weekend - only 3pm and the sun was starting to go down.

See more skies from around the world here.

10 Things : November

2011-11-10T19:56:00.005Z

Have got our Internet back up and running - and I can heave a sigh of relief as this mean the boys can plug back into their X Boxes to play Call Of Duty and Battlefield 3 with their mates.

And for me it means I can play along with Shimelle and her 10 Things.

It was my birthday at the weekend and I spent a lovely day with all my boys. I had some great pressies including a Kindle which had been on my wish list for ages. The after the most delicious Sunday lunch at The Mossett Tavern we went for a walk along Findhorn Beach - and here are 10 photos from that walk:

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

2011-11-07T20:12:00.007Z

This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well… you never know where that next “must read” book will come from!

Shirley Valentine, eat your heart out Ven, Roz, Olive and Frankie have been friends since school. They day-dreamed of glorious futures, full of riches, romance and fabulous jobs. The world would be their oyster. Twenty-five years later, Olive cleans other people's houses to support her lazy, out-of-work husband and his ailing mother. Roz cannot show her kind, caring husband Manus any love because her philandering ex has left her trust in shreds. And she and Frankie have fallen out big time. But Ven is determined to reunite her friends and realise the dream they had of taking a cruise before they hit forty. Before they know it, the four of them are far from home, on the high seas. But can blue skies, hot sun and sixteen days of luxury and indulgence distract from the tension and loneliness that await their return?

I picked this one up after reading a recommendation on a book blog I read - whilst waiting for this authors latest book to arrive in the library I thought I would try one of her previous titles.

It was a bit slow to start but slowly I am beginning to like each of the four main characters and really do want to find out what Ven's secret is. A perfect book to curl up with on a cold dark evening.

It was my birthday yesterday and my boys spoiled me with one of these:

I have been dithering over a Kindle for quite some time - not being sure that an electronic device could replace the feel of a proper book. It is early day but I have to admit the screen is really easy to read - nothing like a computer screen. It will solve some storage issues in my house as the books are starting to take over - and when my local library finally offers an e book service I am sure this device will come into it's own.

Family x 12 Blog Hop : November

2011-11-05T16:59:00.008Z

I'm joining in with the blog hop a bit late again this month - due to the fact that my family were unwilling to all get together in one place for a photo. But with some veiled threats and possibly some bribes I finally managed it.

Forgive the flare from the sun - but said sun was rapidly going down and I refused to move the picnic bench to several locations in order to get a better shot so these will have to do.

First there was one:

And then there was two - the teenager who is usually last for everything!!

Then there were three - and I have just noticed he is wearing the same football shirt as last month - it is a favourite!

And finally there were four:

As a last minute addition to the blog hop I am at the end but you can hop back to the top here:

Margie
Melissa
Carol Anne
Patricia
MonicaB

52 Weeks In B&W : Week 45

2011-11-05T09:27:00.002Z

Birthday Cupcakes

2011-11-04T17:56:00.003Z

In honour of my forthcoming birthday I finally gave in and baked for the girls at work - usually whatever I bake is devoured by the locusts that live in this house and there is never enough left over to make the 5 minute journey into the office.

So I made them pink and girly (with a bit of bling) to put the boys off! They seemed to go down well - no one keeled over after eating them which is a positive thing!!

I have to say they are the best ones I have made flavour wise but have to admit to preferring the banana and walnut loaf I made at the same time - and that one is mine all mine as no one else in this house likes nuts - what a billy bonus!!

Skywatch Friday

2011-11-04T07:12:00.006Z

An early evening sky taken from my garden this week.

See more skies from around the world here.

WOYWW 2nd November

2011-11-02T19:43:00.011Z

November already - how did that happen??

Not much happening on my desk at the moment - too much procrastination I fear.

I have managed to complete prompt one for Shimelles new class - I really enjoyed it and took my time to get the most out of it. I am now perusing prompt two and wondering what patterned paper I can find to use a a background for a page or two.

But I do have a cup of team and a mince pie - all the better for thinking with!!

And a selection of new autobiographies from the library.

Hopefully I will be more productive next week - but you can see what everyone else is up to over at The Stamping Ground.

Pretty Paper Party # 1

2011-11-01T20:40:00.004Z

Shimelle also provided us with a card sketch using strips of paper - and seeing as how I seem to have more than enough Basic Grey 6x6 paper pads (they are just too small and cute to resist!) I thought it was an ideal way to use up some of the odd bits I have stuck inside the pads.

I quite like the Christmas and birthday ones but not too sure about the one at the back - I still think it needs something - but resisted sticking anything else on it for fear of making it even worse and ending up in the bin!