tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76693210525175532572024-03-14T04:41:12.379+00:00Creative AcademiaThe Creative Academichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438707871350549392noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669321052517553257.post-55338586190059737792017-10-09T21:10:00.002+01:002017-10-09T21:10:36.995+01:00Winter Project Link Party <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOs9VFptv7AZnyLmj7gxqFfIbaUur3iE4LNeOk0ol9BGa4eZ123u1m4gtAY4Nx1Kpmnykpgxqc05iQP2-KP7mTdYGQ1j-clxwaJeXhzHAumpOd8kJjg4cL7faDHLjMDAQHKcDpGF0J77Ai/s1600/IMG_3752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOs9VFptv7AZnyLmj7gxqFfIbaUur3iE4LNeOk0ol9BGa4eZ123u1m4gtAY4Nx1Kpmnykpgxqc05iQP2-KP7mTdYGQ1j-clxwaJeXhzHAumpOd8kJjg4cL7faDHLjMDAQHKcDpGF0J77Ai/s400/IMG_3752.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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Randomly, I'm blogging. What better way to (re)start than with Jennifer from Thistlebear's Winter Blog Link Party.<br />
So without further ado, here's what I'm currently working on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwALU644iII0G6ywi4so5u3F6SjdgEbJ_4eMBI8QQJLnVM7ZROKWsQ4o2APnlxk4s4-rWXaxxrbJcmUuV5bGMCnAeBti0WnRdEWt6rGl98IYFLleX1-nyyopFNBLBUNggC0angFyEvEvpR/s1600/IMG_3751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwALU644iII0G6ywi4so5u3F6SjdgEbJ_4eMBI8QQJLnVM7ZROKWsQ4o2APnlxk4s4-rWXaxxrbJcmUuV5bGMCnAeBti0WnRdEWt6rGl98IYFLleX1-nyyopFNBLBUNggC0angFyEvEvpR/s400/IMG_3751.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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I thought I'd try some cross stitch. It's been a very long time since I've done any sewing and I needed a fresh challenge. I'd bought a cheap book some months ago to see if I could work it out. In the end I bought a kit from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/theworldinstitches">theworldinstitches</a> and got going.<br />
Then of course it has sat in my sewing box waiting for the right moment...and I think this is it.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKDv4xFljPWPjXDB3decb66et-E7ouibJ4bW1d7SqQZJGKnNQjx-u51fAyPxllcwM9Da-iX60x5HCDGNkV73_8JeoupuumZILb5hr5m9fAJO_kRp4tUt1EZTv2bDq75vqRmI0hEmsQDg-/s1600/IMG_3749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKDv4xFljPWPjXDB3decb66et-E7ouibJ4bW1d7SqQZJGKnNQjx-u51fAyPxllcwM9Da-iX60x5HCDGNkV73_8JeoupuumZILb5hr5m9fAJO_kRp4tUt1EZTv2bDq75vqRmI0hEmsQDg-/s400/IMG_3749.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
Of course the clocks go back soon and I'm definitely noticing a change in my eyesight (I've not succumbed to the suggested reading glasses or varifocals yet though) so let's see how it goes.<br />
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Joining in with <a href="http://thistlebearhome.com/">Jennifer</a>.<br />
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<br />The Creative Academichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438707871350549392noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669321052517553257.post-79351449862893400962017-01-25T21:03:00.004+00:002017-01-25T21:03:34.254+00:00What I should be (have been) doing but actually I'm blogging :: ten things<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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:: I should really be writing a fellowship application but I thought I'd rather blog. Whilst watching the TV. Or scrolling on my phone. Or putting the smallest girl back into bed. I don't seem to be able to do just one thing at a time anymore.<br />
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:: There have been some spectacular sunrises and sunsets here at the mo - also too much fog!<br />
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:: I finished my Whitlam cowl...very cosy it is too. I've bought some more wool in a different colour, It sits, wound into a ball, waiting for me.<br />
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:: I've made one toast arm warmer. I thought I'd see if I could remember how to knit in the round. Turns out I can. But I've got second arm warmer syndrome (it's related to second sock syndrome). Who knows by the next time I blog I might have finished the second one. I did have some pics but had to delete them off my phone for space (first world problems) but you can get the idea here...<br />
<a href="https://instagram.com/p/BOIkiKtjpUP/">https://instagram.com/p/BOIkiKtjpUP/</a><br />
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:: I'm enjoying my first daffodils of the year. I love having them brightening up the kitchen.<br />
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:: Biggest girl is now following in her Father's footsteps and doing (junior) park run. She takes it very seriously. We had to go and buy some running tights for her. It's all about the PB.<br />
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:: Smallest girl is now old enough to join in too (4! Last week! How did that happen?) "I'd rather stay with you mummy than get all hot" A girl after my own heart. Everything is currently about Paw Patrol. Or Sue Hendra books. I think Supertato is my favourite.<br />
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:: We took the nursery bear home over Christmas. It was the longest three weeks of my life. I had three children to change into pyjamas every night! I was also more petrified of losing said bear than my own child!<br />
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:: I'm loving <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08cbc9p">Apple Tree Yard</a> on BBC1. The book by Louise Doughty was just superb. Women scientists aren't often depicted on TV and (thankfully) don't seem to have the shenanigans she does!<br />
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:: I'm hoping to join in with <a href="http://www.thehomemadeheart.typepad.com/">Penny</a> and try some new dishes in her recipe challenge. I have shelves (shelves!!) of books so I should really put them to good use rather than thinking of them as bedtime reading.<br />
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The Creative Academichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438707871350549392noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669321052517553257.post-1330054445663702712016-10-06T21:05:00.001+01:002016-10-06T21:07:15.542+01:00Winter Project Link Party :: 1<br>
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Jennifer over at Thistlebear is hosting her <a href="http://www.thistlebearhome.com/2016/10/winter-project-link-party.html">Winter Link Party</a> again for this coming autumn and Winter. I thought I would try join in, perhaps not with every post as the level of my progress would be painfully slow...<br>
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I'm really enjoying making this cowl (the Whitlam cowl). I received the yarn and pattern as a kit from a very good friend who is a most excellent knitter from a lovely (very) local shop Baa Ram Ewe. It took me a bit of thought at the start and continues to be more challenging than mindless stocking stitch. I've had to undo rows more than a couple of times when I've suddenly realised I've got an extra stitch!!<br>
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I think it'll be worth it though, the lace pattern might need a bit of blocking to show it off to its best.<br>
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Anyway, I'm about halfway through the recommended length of the cowl. Let's see how we go...<br>
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<br>The Creative Academichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438707871350549392noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669321052517553257.post-69351720295670362672016-09-16T16:51:00.003+01:002016-09-16T16:51:29.851+01:00Progression<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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It’s amazing what you can do when you set your mind to it. I
decided I wanted to crack on with a few things that haven’t been finished. I’m
quite good at finishing things eventually, particularly if I can have a hefty
dose of procrastination in the middle. I don’t like not to have something
hanging around really even if I do like putting it off. So in an attempt at
self improvement which is not only limited to getting things done in my work
life (where I’m also liberally flashing clichés about – eat the frog, get stuff
done and flying through my to do list), I thought that tidying up corners of my
wardrobe where I stash the crafty bits and with my favourite time of the year
about to begin what better time to challenge myself on finishing those unfinished
things.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’d promised the ABO a scarf last winter. Thankfully winter
15-16 was quite warm! I’d bought some aran weight Debbie Bliss wool/yarn (depending
on who you speak to) in a charcoal colour not quite black but not grey and
started knitting in mistake rib (sounds a good plan to me because I made
mistakes in knit 2 purl 2!!) vaguely paying attention to <a href="https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2014/11/17/mistake-rib-scarf-in-mulberry-merino/">this</a> pattern from purl
Soho. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, finally, it’s finished. It needs a bit of blocking I
think but I’m quite pleased with it. Do you see the intentional design? About
1/3 way in I made a mistake and quite by chance made the same error 1/3 from
the end, so it looks intentional to the design. I’m amazed by my genius/luck!<o:p></o:p></div>
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My New York embroideries are complete but not yet hung. here they are nestling nicely between some Nigella and Nigel. These were kits I bought on holiday and I’m looking around for fabrics to
co-ordinate in hoops in the living room. They’re fairly simple designs and
quite easy for me do. I’ll let you see
them in situ when they’re up (this could be some time!!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now I’ve got 2 knitting projects in my plans to finish. I
was making some knitted dolls for the girls. These first featured on my blog
<a href="http://creativeacademia.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/la-rentree.html">here</a> and <a href="http://creativeacademia.blogspot.co.uk/2015_12_01_archive.html">here</a>. I’ve only managed the body, head and legs for one so my aim is to get
that finished, stuffed and sewn (perhaps not including clothes) for the end of September
and to make a good start on the next one. It’s pretty quick if I get my act
together!! <o:p></o:p></div>
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The other task will take longer but hopefully by the end of
October I’ll have my <a href="http://baaramewe.co.uk/products/whitlamcowl">Whitlam cowl</a> complete. So I can enjoy my scarf for the
cooler months (and not be waiting until winter 17-18 for it!) I’m still having
to unpick a row every now and then as I lose count of where I am in the pattern
when I start talking or get distracted by something including (but not limited
to) a child needing a wee/ a goal on the football/ reaching for a biscuit. This
is closely followed by me sighing, muttering ‘now where was I?’ and then unpicking
the row!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Finally my plan in this procrastination free zone is take down
my sewing machine from the top of LittleR’s wardrobe (which I've just done whilst the children play in the garden) and make sure it’s ship shape (and Bristol
fashion) for some future projects (first up anew cupboard curtain for LittleR's room - she's chosen owls). I’ve bought some new needles and just need
to give it a once over before I cut into any fabric. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Let’s see how long this Autumnal get up and go lasts!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Creative Academichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438707871350549392noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669321052517553257.post-54805141515936927882016-09-05T14:12:00.000+01:002016-09-05T14:12:29.301+01:00Ten things :: the summer edition<div class="MsoNormal">
I love this time of year. I’ve written about it <a href="http://creativeacademia.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/la-rentree.html">before</a> (and
still not made a start of the shawl in this post – I’m feeling brave maybe I’ll
make a start). I always think of that line from You’ve Got Mail where Tom Hanks’
character (Joe) says “Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna
buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils”.
That is exactly how I feel about this time of year. Although the last time I
was in New York in the Autumn was 20 years ago!! I'm still excited for the start of a new
term. The new academic year is nearly upon me...I've spent all summer prepping my new modules and getting ready for the next intake of students...<o:p></o:p></div>
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So this might be a good time to round up on summer
happenings. I returned to work today. BigR goes back to school tomorrow (a
cunningly placed INSET day today catching people off guard) and so it
continues. It’s also her birthday on Thursday, which to me signifies the true
end of the summer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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:: We made our annual (can you say annual on the second year?) trip to the pick your own farm for strawberries.
It was much easier this year as LittleR is older and can follow instructions (apart from don't eat too many). I didn’t overdo it either (well not too much) and we got 6 jars of jam plus plenty for desserts and general snacking.<o:p></o:p><br />
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:: The garden has flourished…perhaps with a few more weeds
than last summer (but I’ll take that over having time off with a poorly child)
but all in all there’s been colour since the springtime. The cosmos grew and grew but no flowers apart from one. Well, I shouldn't have been so impatient...they're full of flowers now!!<o:p></o:p><br />
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:: Although our fruit crops were meagre this year. We did
enjoy a few home grown strawberries, raspberries and (just ripening now) blueberries.
We only managed 2 plums – biggest child was put off by finding a worm inside
and that was that!<o:p></o:p></div>
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:: The roses were beautiful too and still flowering on their
2<sup>nd</sup> or 3<sup>rd</sup> flush. All the deadheading was worth it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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:: In the kitchen I made pesto which was stirred into pasta
and put in a crust on top of cod, bread and various cakes. The biggest girl has
requested a chocolate cake for later this week.<o:p></o:p></div>
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:: We had some fabulous days out. Yorkshire Wildlife Park
and Castle Howard (where Brideshead Revisited was filmed) and of course our regular
pre-paid with membership haunts Fountains Abbey and Harlow Carr.<o:p></o:p></div>
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:: I took the girls to McDonald’s one lunchtime and they
thought all their birthdays and Christmases had come at once. Ketchup,
balloons, plastic toy, ice cream. Their joy was unreserved!! Who knew
McFlurries were so tasty though?<o:p></o:p></div>
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:: BigR has learnt to knit. She needs help on occasion wrapping
the yarn round but overall does a good job. I'm there to pick up lost stitches and undo any mistakes (for example the row she forgot to slip the stitch off and ended up with 40 stitches not 20). She’s made a blanket for Barbie’s
little sister, Chelsea (no I didn’t know she had a sister until it arrived as a
present for her birthday last year but she does) as her patience in getting
rows done didn’t last to make one for Barbie! Of course, her side of the story
is that Barbie already has a blanket for her bed (this is true, my children
have too many toys!!)<o:p></o:p><br />
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:: I was given a beautiful kit to knit a cowl by my very
talented knitter friend. It’s coming along although I have had to unpick rows
where I’ve missed part of the pattern whilst talking!<o:p></o:p><br />
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:: I’ve managed to complete two embroideries as well…the
ones I bought in New York picturing NY scenes. The plan is to intersperse them
with hoops of fabric along the wall behind our sofa. Now I’ve just got to hang
them. I can't believe I don't have 'finished' photo....<o:p></o:p><br />
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The Creative Academichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438707871350549392noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669321052517553257.post-3744279063796446292016-07-09T22:35:00.000+01:002016-07-09T22:35:45.489+01:00A brief interlude<div>
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I didn't plan not to blog. A combination of being busy (work, home and children) laptop issues and then getting out of the habit put paid to posting. I've seen lots of posts recently where others aren't sure where their blogs are going. This isn't the case for me. I've no great plans for my blog. I know my blog is primarily for me and for making connections with others who like similar stuff to me. And so on we go...<br />
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:: I've been loving the garden. It perhaps is not getting as much attention as last year (when LittleR was so poorly and I was barely working during the day) but it's still very enjoyable. I love the alliums...the last of which I had in my kitchen after a football 'accident'.</div>
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:: Somewhere along the line, I can't pinpoint exactly, LittleR doesn't need 100% of my attention all the time. It's a subtle thing, I can deadhead some roses whilst she powers up and down on her scooter. I can complete a row or two of a scarf whilst she creates a playmobil meets Peppa Pig playworld! I'm still yet to make a trip to the loo without either of the girls wondering where I am...</div>
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:: We decorated the dining room. Grey and yellow. It's a very sunny room now. I liked it before, I like it even more now!</div>
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::We took a last minute trip over half term. The ABO got holiday released (this is unusual for his job over any holiday period!!) and we went to New York. I can confirm most people asked if we took the children and then thought we were mad when we did. Actually, it was an amazing place to go with kids. Easy food. Easy getting about (If you count carrying a 3 year old around easy! I guess being carried is preferable to other people's bums). No language issues (particularly if we had any health issues -thankfully we didn't). There's just so much to do. We barely scratched the surface in 6 days.<br />
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:: What do you do where every corner you turn is part of a TV or film set? Well you get over excited seeing the Copacobana (the hottest spot north of Havana) and move directly to MOMA to look at your favourite painting. Yes I loved seeing Starry Night and the beautiful Monet paintings but this one does it for me every time. (Paul Klee - Cat and Bird)</div>
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:: I had a brief visit to <a href="http://www.purlsoho.com/">Purl</a>. I'd perused the website in advance knowing that my browsing time would be short. It was fab just to see all of the things. I bought 3 embroidery kits...2 with scenes of NYC and one sampler.</div>
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:: It must be good as I've already completed one.</div>
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:: Work continues in an up and down fashion. As with everything recently, who knows where higher education is going after the leave vote. I'm plodding along with my work. Looking forward for the end of the school term. BigR is ready too. She's already planning her birthday party (it's the first week of the new term so she needs the invites at the ready!). Already I'm making new plans for the start of the next academic year. Excited (yes already) for the start of a new term and a new module I'm teaching.</div>
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:: I've celebrated another birthday. I was completely spoiled. My new jug takes pride of place in the new dining room.</div>
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:: There's been much baking. Scones, cakes, cinnamon buns and for my birthday the ABO made a <a href="http://www.juniorscheesecake.com/">Junior's</a> inspired baked cheesecake. It was delicious!</div>
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The Creative Academichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438707871350549392noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669321052517553257.post-44014359050956303372016-04-28T21:57:00.000+01:002016-04-28T21:57:34.621+01:00Small, nice things<br />
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:: Our school holidays finished and we're back into the usual routines. It was a holiday of great action and inactivity in just the right amounts. Now I know we're back as I've already tackled the first week of uniform ironing. We're in gingham territory now.<br />
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:: This week we took a trip to YSP where we saw the KAWS sculptures. It was a beautiful day. I found them intriguing. LittleR loved to imitate their poses!<br />
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:: My camellia is in flower again. Just beautiful.<br />
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:: Carrot cake muffins complete with icing. No nuts (but the biggest girl still doesn't like these!). No sultanas/currants/raisins (my nemesis). Yum.<br />
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:: New book, new obsession.<br />
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:: Our living room has been decorated. We've moved some of the toys out and rearranged them in other areas of the house, We chose a warm pewter grey for the wall colour. It's such a huge change from before. The room seems so much bigger, this is likely to be the lack of toys! I'm in love with the curtains. We're now looking out for some large prints to go on the wall above the sofa...it's not 'finished' but I'm good at works in progress.<br />
<br />
:: In tidying up for the living room to be decorated I went through a large number of photos. I had to do a double take on one. It turns out my youngest girl is the image of my brother at the same age. They pose for a picture in the same way. At that moment I really wished she could have met him. It was lovely and very surprising all at once.<br />
<br />
:: Can you believe it snowed yesterday and we're due a light dusting overnight. Goodness me Spring it's nearly May!! Plus travel chaos tomorrow.<br />
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<br />
:: Still at least the tulips are coming.<br />
<br />The Creative Academichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438707871350549392noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669321052517553257.post-85225155274552442572016-03-30T11:57:00.001+01:002016-03-30T11:57:04.625+01:00These days...<div class="MsoNormal">
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<br />
So I hadn’t intended to take such a long time to blog again.
Life happened as it usually does but this time it was mainly good things. And spring has definitely arrived!<o:p></o:p></div>
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:: We had a superb few days in Whitby and surrounds over
half term. Highlights included fish and chips and ice cream. LittleR decided to
take a fully clothed (including her coat), impromptu dip in the sea. Oh how we
laughed. Not. But we did eventually once she was dry again and I’d gotten over
dragging a screaming 3 year old up about one billion steps!<o:p></o:p></div>
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:: Actually she did look hilarious. Bone dry on the back and
soaking wet on the front. When we took off her clothes she was covered in
gritty sand on the front but nothing on the back!! After a quick hose down in
the bath (her) and an ice cream (all of us) all was well with the world. <o:p></o:p></div>
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:: We’ve worked on the garden. The daffs are out and the
grass has had its’ first cut. I fall back in love with being outside again in spring. We’ve
had the front garden ‘remodelled’. Basically some men show up and cleared the bed, dug up a load of bamboo, a huge euphorbia and anoth massive shrub, took the rubbish away and dumped tonnes of top soil down. On closer inspection
they’d left the difficult bit (the 2 shrub stumps) so the ABO and I took 5 hours
(mostly him) digging and sawing them
out. Then yesterday we lugged them into the car and off to the tip. Now comes
the fun bit…replanting. I’ve fallen prey to child pressure (similar to peer pressure but with added whining occasionally in stereo) and added a plum
tree to the new forsythia (nearly out), the magnolia (buds!!) and the hydrangea
(currently just some sticks but I live in hope). <o:p></o:p></div>
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:: This has actually meant I’ve legitimately been able to
break out a new note book for the front garden exploits. I do love a good
notebook. And a good garden diary.<o:p></o:p></div>
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:: I’ve enlisted my dad’s help on providing he summer
bedding. He has 2 greenhouses (!) and has sown seeds a plenty for both our
gardens….mostly petunias and geraniums I think.<o:p></o:p></div>
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:: The patio has been cleaned. The ABO did it himself last
year but we had a professional do it this year and the difference is
noticeable. The table is back out and the barbecue in place. Just waiting for a
day with no rain and we’ll be back cooking (at least) outside again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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:: We’ve actually had lots of time together recently as the
ABO has been on a month off for March. Not so good for the school holidays and
having a family break but good for us. We enlisted the help of babysitters and went
to see Rudimental (who were amazing!!) and Paddy McGuiness. We’ve done ‘jobs’
that are easier without bored children complaining. We’ve stayed up too late
watching rubbish on TV. It’s been a good month.<o:p></o:p></div>
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:: We've also had a wonderful child free night away that we’d had to
reschedule from last year when LittleR was so poorly. Good food and good
company in beautiful surroundings near Helmsley. The girls stayed with their
grandparents having too many treats and staying up too late on a school night!<o:p></o:p></div>
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:: I finally made the embroidery/applique for my friend’s
little girl who was a year old at the end of February. Ever critical, it’s a little wonky but was
made with love. Plus it’s up in her room so they must like it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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:: This time of year makes me want to get things sorted (I
have another push in September too – my life runs on the academic calendar). We have a small expedit unit that hides many (not
all – my children have far too many toys) of the girls’ toys and books downstairs.
My plan, under the cloak of darkness, is to clear through this and gain back
some semblance of order. We’re having the
living room decorated in mid April (should’ve been done for now but the
decorator was unwell) and some more will be going then! I’m sure they’ll get
over it...I’ve also been through their clothes and made a note of things that
need replacing through wear or growth. I’ve been through my clothes but not
much needed to go there! The major reordering plan for me is to move my craft
stuff into one place (it’s currently in 3 small places). This needs a bit of thinking about…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p>:: Over Easter we were outside a lot in spite of the random rain. Good Friday was gorgeous and we had a fabulous trip to Fountains Abbey. Fuelled by sausage sandwiches we walked the circular walk down from the visitor centre, around the Abbey and the ornamental lakes and back again. In all it was just shy of 5 km which is a lot for little 3 year old legs. She slept soundly that night. We managed a shorter walk at the park on Sunday and a good walk again at Harlow Carr on Monday, where the girls spent some Easter money on books (Matilda - BigR and Stick Man - LittleR). I was restrained and spent nothing on books, mugs or pants in the shop. I felt very virtuous.</o:p></div>
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:: I rose to <a href="http://www.thehomemadeheart.typepad.com/">Penny’s</a> challenge in February for new dishes
and managed two new to me recipes. Both were from Mary Berry’s Cookery course.
I made fish pie and used a lamb shank. I altered the fish pie to use only
unsmoked fish as I’m the only fan of
smoked fish here and left out the hard boiled eggs. For the lamb I followed the
recipe slavishly and it was delicious. I’ll do both of those again! Next up
will be some things that freeze easily as the ABO is on lates and needs easily
portable and reheatable dishes. March was a rerun of the same things really.
Must try harder in April.<o:p></o:p></div>
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:: I’m also planning some new craft things which if I get
round to them will share here. I’ve got a list (of course) and I’m ready to
crack on. Skirts first I think. As for the scarf for the ABO – it’s yet to be finished but there’s
always next winter! <o:p></o:p></div>
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:: I'm back at work for a day today and then the rest of the week is normal life. The ABO resumes work on Friday just as the school holidays start here in Leeds (ours are fixed for the first 2 weeks in April) so next week BigR is off school, having a 'Daddy and me day' and going to York on the train. I've a surprise planned for the girls later in the week too...more soon...</div>
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:: Also the ducks are back on the pond at work. Expect more updates.<br />
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The Creative Academichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438707871350549392noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669321052517553257.post-7905224795467237932016-02-12T21:15:00.001+00:002016-02-12T21:15:06.351+00:00Creative busyness<div>
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Sometimes you just have to make a bit of time. It's busy at the mo. I've been busy with students, busy with children and busy getting ready for a much needed break. It's half term next week and we all really need it. The ABO has a couple of extra days off tagged on to his normal off days. We're heading to the North Yorkshire coast for a few days. A change of scene will do us all good I am sure. I'm preparing for poor weather but you never know...<br />
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In addition, I'm sorting things, trying to finish stuff off. I've had this in my mind's eye for over a year. My good friend had her second baby at the end of February last year. I'd planned this idea, but then, LittleR became unwell and it slipped away. I bought a gift (for ease) but as I'd made a present for her son the idea didn't go away. So in the next 2 weeks I'm going to applique and stitch her name in a hoop. And then, to go with it, I'll buy some more plastic tat to clutter up my friend's house! </div>
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I'm also three balls into the ABO's scarf. We haven't really had a harsh winter (so far - don't want to tempt fate for next week!) so he hasn't needed it, which is lucky. It'll definitely be done for winter 16/17!</div>
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I'm joining in with <a href="http://www.thistlebearhome.com/2016/02/winter-project-link-party.html">Jennifer</a> (at the final moment...) and her winter project link.</div>
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The Creative Academichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438707871350549392noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669321052517553257.post-72540044553014550842016-01-25T11:39:00.002+00:002016-01-25T11:39:30.241+00:00January Miscellany<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was going to complain bitterly about the weather, the
seemingly incessant rain more specifically. How the pots in our garden couldn’t
cope with the deluge. The soaked coats and hair and the cold, don’t talk to me
about the cold. Today though, I was greeted with a magnificent sunrise (no good
pictures though) and my mood changed. I was going to spend the time
complaining, but maybe it’s better to focus on the good things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s been a busy but generally good couple of weeks since I
last blogged. In no particular order;<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">:: Smallest girl turned three and was super excited to be a
big girl and to have snow on her birthday. We all went outside and built a snowman in the meager snow. Then came a little party with all the grandparents and a cake. She was very happy to blow out her
own candles too. And also the next day on her cake at nursery!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">:: I bought the first bunch of daffodils of 2016. A bit of
Cornish sunshine made me think of <a href="http://todaysstuff-leanne.blogspot.co.uk/">Leanne</a> and they brightened the kitchen up no
end.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">:: I splashed out on a new moisturiser as the cold had been playing havoc with my skin. My skin is very, very dry anyway and with the weather, drier still! Somehow a cleanser fell into the bag too. It was only a small size to see if it agreed with my skin and if I would keep it up. Just to set the record straight I do wash my face (!) but as I don't often wear make-up and have sensitive skin I don't use a 'soap' or make-up remover. One week down so far so good. I might need to go back and buy a bigger size of the cleanser and try to keep it up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">:: The girls played together nicely and I ‘enjoyed’ a bit of
early morning ironing with ‘Would I lie to you’ on iplayer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">:: A friend from work who I became close to when pregnant
with our first children left for a new job. It’s a great move for her and her
career. She’s moving to the dark side of the Pennines and taking up residence
in Liverpool. I’m really going to miss her. BigR had a little cry when she knew
her friend was leaving but the joke is we’ll probably see more of them now than
when they lived round the corner!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">:: I’ve made (some) progress on a scarf for the ABO. As we’ve
had such a mild winter so far he’s not needed it which is a good thing as I
doubt if it’ll be ready until 2017!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">:: I found an old Cath Kidston voucher with £7 left on it
and bought a new ‘fold-away’ bag to keep in my work bag for when I need another
bag. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">:: I discovered the crack cocaine of the biscuit world. Thankfully I only work 3 days a week and left them there…until today…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">:: I took LittleR’s old clothes to work for 2 friends who have girls who are a year younger than Littlest. Some of the ‘frocks’ were barely worn. It’s good to see
them going to their new homes!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">:: I (finally) plucked up the courage to speak to my boss
about my work (specifically one area of it) and if we could make any changes. I've not been happy with one aspect for a while. I'm a bit of a round peg in a square hole and although everyone is lovely, I'm not really achieving much or feeling like I'm doing a good job. For
those not in the know, usually academics are ‘rated’ on their ability to be
returned in the Research Excellence Framework. Basically this is how Universities
are given their research funding – the quality of the outputs (research
articles, grants, indicators of esteem (no I’m not sure either)) is judged and money
given in return. Now on the horizon is the Teaching excellence framework due to
be judged in a similar (metric) way and ultimately I believe will change how fees can be charged. I was returned with my department last
time in the REF but due to changes within departments, the wider University and education
more generally our department is unlikely to be returned which puts research
academics into difficulty. You might want to be returned and work towards this
goal but then the department isn’t returned as a whole (the story has to 'fit') so where does that leave
you (and ultimately your job!)? There’s an option to change contracts to be
more teaching focussed but in a Russell group University teaching is (still) sadly seen as
the poor relation to research. So now I’m not sure where my role stands or what
I want to do. I love the teaching part of my job but it’s a bit of a conundrum.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">:: I’ve made copious scones. Sometimes <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/paul_hollywoods_scones_70005">Paul Hollywood</a>’s
sometimes <a href="http://www.maryberry.co.uk/recipes/baking/devonshire-scones">Mary Berry’s</a>. I found a jar of my strawberry jam (as opposed to Bonne
Maman) in the cupboard and we’ve all been enjoying them with butter and a dollop
of that. Now to get some clotted cream…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">:: I’ve been in the mood to clear stuff out (see above with
children’s clothes). I did a bit of a KonMari style tidying and thought to see
which of my clothes ‘sparked joy’. I’d seen her book a few times and the idea
looked interesting. It was a bit of a weird undertaking for a Brit to see what
I found joyful but I got rid quite a bit of ‘stuff’ including 3 pairs of
coloured jeans which I used to like but now don’t. I have my ‘at home’ uniform
of white t shirt, jeans/denim skirt, cardi (various colours), scarf. I keep
getting ideas of stripes or spots or something but that might be too much pattern
with scarf and cardi. Hmm. More food for thought.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">:: We went to the seaside, to Whitby. We walked on the beach even though the tide was coming in and had a treat of fish and chips in the Magpie Cafe then an ice cream on the pier (yes in January). It was such a lovely day with minimal moaning and arguing from the back seat of the car!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">:: I’ve been making lists (many of them during meetings which I'm obliged to attend but can't make a meaningful contribution to). Lots of lists. Lots of notebooks.
One of the best ways I cope with making decisions (see above for job thoughts) is
making a list. Although when it came to the job options I did add 'give it all
up' (which is not really an option – financially or intellectually and is little bit defeatist!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">:: I've been revisiting the (now very </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">long</i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">) list of things I want to make. First seen </span><a href="http://creativeacademia.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/catching-up-list.html" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">here</a><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">. I've still not done the applique blanket(s - now the littlest will want her own too) or the skirts (although I have the fabric and it's nearly spring!) or the photobooks. And I've added some extra things to it. First up is to finish the scarf (see above) and then I need to complete an embroidery for my friend's daughter. It was going to be a new baby present but then LittleR became ill and it got left by the wayside. Anyway it can be a first birthday present. Due for the end of February I think it's achievable and I'll share it here when it's done along with an updated long list.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks to everyone for their comments recently. I know I'm terribly behind again on emailing you and commenting on your blogs. I'll get there eventually. </span></div>
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The Creative Academichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438707871350549392noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669321052517553257.post-36067833519371120302016-01-05T14:42:00.000+00:002016-01-05T14:42:05.364+00:00Joining in!<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy New Year.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve wanted to join in with <a href="http://www.thistlebearhome.com/2016/01/winter-project-link-party.html">Jennifer’s Winter Project Link Party</a>for a while but I’ve not really been working on anything substantial. So I’m
submitting three small made things so I can feel like an achiever in 2016!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Firstly, two paper angels made form a tutorial on <a href="http://www.redtedart.com/2015/12/04/paper-fan-angel-craft/">RedTedArt’sblog</a>. Made with two small girls and no arguments,
a post-Christmas miracle. One has been put away with the decorations, the other
(headless) angel has been recycled, must remember to take the bead out of my
pocket before I wash my jeans! The nearly 3 year old doesn’t quite get gentle
yet!<o:p></o:p><br />
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New year scones. I wanted to make<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/paul_hollywoods_scones_70005"> this r</a>ecipe but I didn’t
have enough bread flour. So I made my fail safe Mary Berry ones. They were very
delicious.</div>
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Finally in an effort to use up leftovers and clear the freezer
I made a pie based on a Simon Rimmer recipe that’s no longer on the bbc site. I
even made the pastry as I was too lazy to walk up the road in the rain and buy
some (thanks to <a href="http://thequincetree65.blogspot.co.uk/">Sue</a> for the recipe). It was delicious. I was very smug. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Finally joining in with <a href="http://www.thistlebearhome.com/">Jennifer</a>!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
The Creative Academichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438707871350549392noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669321052517553257.post-79121602616544024982015-12-03T09:00:00.000+00:002015-12-08T15:29:39.910+00:00The year in books :: December<div class="MsoNormal">
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Another month goes by but the reading bug has returned. Once
again I have no idea why. Most probably it’s to do with the engaging books I have
read rather than any great change in circumstance. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The first book I read in November was Career of Evil by
Robert Galbraith (aka JK Rowling). I love this series of books. I love the
characters Cormoron Strike and Robin Ellacott and the journeys they take ‘fighting
crime’. This one kept me guessing (even if I guessed right) and it was the
right mixture of scray gore with sensible storytelling. Cannot wait until the
next one!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The second book I read is by an old favourite author, Ian
Rankin. This, the 20<sup>th</sup> Rebus book, ‘Only Dogs in the Wild’ was
another ‘unputdownable’ read. The characters he’s created in Rebus, Clarke and
Cafferty along with relative newcomer Fox sustain any story. This story brings
together two old rivals in Rebus and Cafferty and mixes the old and the new in
their lives. A really good Rebus read.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For this month of December I’m going to try again at the
Kate Atkinson novel ‘A God in Ruins’ and possibly an Agatha Christie I’ve found
in the depths of my kindle. You never know what's going to happen though best laid plans and all that!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Joining in with <a href="http://circleofpinetrees.com/">Laura</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
The Creative Academichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438707871350549392noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669321052517553257.post-20956505177135882422015-12-02T13:21:00.001+00:002015-12-02T13:37:35.047+00:00That difficult bit in the middle<div class="MsoNormal">
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I keep thinking I should blog. I have a list of bloggable
things. Then an inertia overtakes me and I don’t. I’ve been reading blogs but I
haven’t been commenting as much as I would like either (again)….meaning I will catch
up with it but I’m fighting a losing battle on what seems like all fronts at
the moment. It’s a busy time at the moment work is busy (this is a good thing,
I really don’t like being idle) and of course there’s life stuff to keep up
with.<o:p></o:p></div>
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LittlestR has relapsed so it’s been a bit of a fraught time.
We’re back on track again (I hope), for now, but I can’t help thinking (and
knowing) this is only the beginning. This is not helpful to the getting yourself
out of the inertia. But enough of this navel gazing tedium. I’m boring myself with
my woe is me excuses…<o:p></o:p></div>
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So of course it’s not all doom and gloom. There have been
plenty of bright moments over the last 40 odd days…here of just some of them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Day 38 – We took advantage of the enforced INSET day at the
start of half term and went to Yorkshire Wildlife Park. It’s a great day out
and ticks all our boxes. It’s not a too arduous journey, there’s plenty to see
(and lots of new things too), plenty of places to have a picnic, you’re outside
walking round so getting some fresh air and there’s an ice cream stop. Since we
last visited they’ve taken in some more polar bears.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Day 42 – Half term passed in a blur really. I took a day off
work and spent it day with BigR. As a surprise I booked into our local pottery painting
café. We had great fun working on our items. BigR painted a plate (she drew
some dolphins) and I painted a pen pot and then we both did a Christmas
decoration. (They’re now adorning the tree…more on that later….) In my mind's eye there would be seed pods on a mottled background. Next time I';ll sue a finer brush. The pot now sits atop our microwave. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Day 45 – Madly I let BigR choose a little gift in The Works.
She chose a fairy door….and so her fairy, Verbena, was born. Verbena visited every
day for 4 days until she ran out of fairy dust (read I just couldn’t think of anything
else to say in response to the weight of pictures and offerings left at the
door). She’s due to make a comeback soon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Day 46- I couldn't leave these strawberries in the shop. They were destined to become more jam. And as <a href="http://www.mitenska.blogspot.co.uk/">Sarah</a> pointed out on Instagram Lancashire grown to Yorkshire made.<br />
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Day 53 – The weather was so poor we stayed at home and
watched a new film…The Jungle Book. We had popcorn. It was great fun.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Day 59 – BigR once again showed her creative side and made a
Hama Bead Pudsey Bear. I failed a little on my part by sticking the ironing paper
to the creation. Iron too hot? Not concentrating? Still I redeemed myself with
a sponge cake.<o:p></o:p><br />
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I also admired my mittens that my very talented friend Sarah made me. They combined well with the floor of the Leeds General Infirmary. </div>
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Day 62 – Enthused by watching Rick Stein eating moussaka I
made us one (to be eaten the next day). I started it at 7pm one night when the
girls had gone to bed. Around 8pm I wondered why I thought it was a good idea
as there were pots and trays everywhere and my béchamel wasn’t thickening. When
I’d finished though and I’d cleared up I was really pleased. There’s something I
love about pottering around in the kitchen making something to have for another
day and being that organised! I’ve spent a lot of time slumped in front of the
TV lately, a bit too tired to be bothered doing anything, so this really helped
with that inertia fug. Plus when we ate it, it was delicious. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Day 63 – Finally I made the arms for the knitted dolls I’m
(still) making. Eventually they’ll be two dolls. Eventually.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I really rather liked how the French flags reflected in my
wine and almost matched my knitting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Day 70 – Sometimes I really love my job. Today was one of those
days. I was assessing a session where the students were teaching. I’ve learned
so many things from these sessions over the years. Today I learnt (amongst
other things) how to make an origami tulip. Brilliant. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Day 74 – The weather was atrocious and the ABO is working
the next few weekends so we both ventured into the loft to get the Christmas
decorations out. The tree is now up…(perhaps a little early for some) and
adorned in a way only a 6 year old and almost 3 year old want to decorate! I added
the decorations we made at the pottery painting place and am working on moving
some of the baubles around…so we have them a bit more evenly distributed. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Day 75 - I'd seen the recipe for these <a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.co.uk/food/recipes/red-velvet-snowflakes">Red Velvet Snowflakes</a> in a magazine and in my carefully planned world I'd prepared and chilled the dough. I was a little skeptical about how this would go as the dough was supremely sticky. Anyway, in my head this was going to be a joyous, child friendly baking activity. Cut to an hour later where I'd used another 50-100g of flour so I could roll the dough out and spent the majority of that time trying to stop two small children fighting or burning themselves whilst covered in flour - we were finally were ready to cut the cookies. Things I have learnt, only cook with one child at a time. Never expect it is easy to roll anything out between two sheets of baking paper. Red Velvet snowflakes are fine as stocking, snowmen and tress and stars. Anyway they taste nice even if I couldn't be bothered to ice them after all that shenanigans!<br />
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So with a background of illness combined with busyness we’ve
had some really good moments. I’m planning to visit and comment on everyone’s
blogs this week. I hope you’ll bear with me.<o:p></o:p></div>
The Creative Academichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438707871350549392noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669321052517553257.post-64525534340838967592015-11-05T19:43:00.000+00:002015-11-05T19:43:06.600+00:00The year in books :: November<br />
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It's been a strange couple of months. It's been a busy time so my reading has suffered, or so I thought. Too tired at the end of the day to muster any enthusiasm for fiction I've been reading through my recipe books or a magazine. I surprised myself with the number titles I looked at. Craft books (gaining more inspiration and adding to the ever lengthening list of potential makes) and food books (the new Nigella, to name one) have been the staple (as well the numerous children's stories/school books I've read/listened to) until recently...<br />
I charged my kindle and found a book had been delivered that I was waiting for....in fact now we're into November there's another waiting.<br />
So, I'm currently reading Robert Galbraith - Career of Evil. It's the third in the series with Cormoran Strike at the centre and so far, so good. Still to come in November is one of my favourite authors, Ian Rankin. He has a new Rebus book out now and waiting for me on my kindle (along with loads of others!!)...so that'll be November I think. Here's hoping I can keep up with the reading...<br />
<br />The Creative Academichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438707871350549392noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669321052517553257.post-50614862284501181342015-10-21T11:59:00.001+01:002015-10-21T11:59:21.713+01:00The first 35 days...<div>
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Is it really over a month since I last posted? I've been reading but life stuff has kept me away from blogging and commenting. I want this to change and it will. I missed the year in books link up...(but then again I've not read many novels in the last month) but I will post about all my other reading in November...<br />
In other news I've actually been quite good at remembering to write down one (or six) lovely things for the last 35 days (not including today...it's not done yet)...in between all the normal life stuff cleaning, cooking,everyone having an illness of some sort, the sort of inertia you just have to give into...or become overwhelmed.<br />
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Rather than bore everyone to tears with the randomly repeating subject matter (food and children) of every individual day here are the highlights...<br />
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Day 1 - Kids say the funniest things - LittlestR and me in the lift. "Quick man! Get in! Lift doors closing!" and as the doors opened "Out now man - don't hurt yourself - mind your fingers". He was very bemused. (Obviously not as good as BigR shouting when in a public loo "There's a lady doing a pooh" or better than that my friend's child (in the same loo) asking "Mummy why have you got a hairy bottom?")<br />
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Day 3 - Books Books and more books. I got lots of second hand craft books from Amazon. Some I'd wanted for ages....they've given me so much inspiration now I just need to get on with it!! I'm going for a face cloth in this one...primarily as I ahve all I need ot get on with it!<br />
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Day 10 Wonderful day out at YSP - seeing Wave and also the Rob Ryan exhibition. I love his papercuts.<br />
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LittleR loves the semi naked rabbits... "Mummy look the rabbit has no pants on"<br />
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Day 13 - Unlucky for some but not us. We had a wonderful child free day together, starting in Leeds (after nursery drop off) with a spot of shopping (a <a href="http://www.whitestuff.com/womens/skirts/green-tip-top-velvet-emb-skirt/">skirt</a> for me - which reminds me of one I had 25 years ago!) and ending with a really lovely lunch <a href="http://www.crabandlobster.co.uk/">here</a>. It was brilliant and just what we needed.<br />
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Day 20 - I love it when the girls are able to play nicely together (by that I mean without arguing and without covering the house in pen/paint/glue)...the toys were having biscuits with their tea...Biggest girl obviously leads the play but now Littlest really tries to join in too.<br />
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Day 23 - I had my hair cut. I had 30cm cut off. I like it when I have a hair cut that you can't not notice.<br />
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Day 24 - I was going to make a cake but didn't have enough butter (Doh!) and couldn't go out as the girls were in bed...so I hatched a plan for a challah. It was very yum!<br />
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Day 27 - I made the bestest (even if I say so myself) beef stew. I think it was the mushrooms that did it (or the half bottle of very nice wine that went in it as well!!). I love my Le Cruset shallow casserole now I've gotten used to cooking in it. I want some more cast iron cookware!<br />
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Day 31 - We had a most excellent day out at Fountains Abbey. I've got family membership of the National trust and even though there are loads of places to go in Yorkshire we always end up here. mostly because it opens at 10am (I'm looking at you Beningborough Hall at 11am!!!) and does the most excellent cakes (cheese scones and fat rascals) and lunches! There's an excellent circular walk around the abbey and foundations so you don't have to turn round at any point and decide to come back. It was a beautiful Autumnal day and LittleR was free to run round until she couldn't walk any more. It really is the best exercise to push a toddler up a massive hill in a buggy.<br />
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Day 32 - sometimes it really is about the little things. Our peg bag went to the great peg bag graveyard in the sky the other week. The ABO had a fit of pique on the muddy grass with our overfilled old peg bag and promptly threw it in the bin and transferred the pegs to a (now very exclusive) carrier bag. I had grand plans to make my own but as I've a HUGE list of things to make and am no where nearer to completing them let alone adding a new on to the list I went to the next best place. Etsy. Behold my new and very jolly oil cloth peg bag from<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/KTCreates4u"> KTCreates4u</a>.<br />
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Day 33 - The ABO is on the early shift this week. Sometimes he's back at lunchtime (after leaving at 4.30am) but it's a busy week and today he wasn't back until after 5pm. The girls and I had a lovely day together, I was able not to be a shouty mummy. It was fab. We fed the ducks (in the rain) at Golden Acre Park, jumped in some muddy puddles and then went out for lunch to Pizza Express for a treat. In the afternoon the girls played beautifully (a miracle for me not to act as referee), then watched Frozen with popcorn and I made some (as yet untried) chilli jam. Don't worry it all went down hill the next day, but hey, I was non-shouty for an entire day and it was really noticeable - well to me at least!<br />
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Here's hoping I blog again in the next 35 days! Its going to be an interesting couple of weeks as we've got half term to look forward to! I'm also looking forward to commenting on your blogs too.<br />
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The Creative Academichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438707871350549392noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669321052517553257.post-73308834463020873062015-09-16T13:11:00.000+01:002015-09-16T13:11:53.483+01:00Optimism on another 100 days<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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I thought a good way to continue on my Autumnal optimistic outlook was to have another go at <a href="http://creativeacademia.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/101-days.html">100 days project</a>. (We've had a bit of a shaky week as the ABO walked in on a burglar early on Sunday when getting up for work. Anyway we're all fine and we're doing our best to put it behind us). I did this last year in the run up to the Tour de France start in Yorkshire which ended on my birthday weekend.<br />
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Serendipitously, 100 days from today is Christmas day. Which is a good end point. So, the plan is to try and find at least one happy thing in my day every day for 100 days. I'm hoping focussing on positive things will give me some perspective and make me appreciate the big and the small. I'll pop in here and update every now and again.The Creative Academichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438707871350549392noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669321052517553257.post-53623142888789490722015-09-14T11:24:00.001+01:002015-09-14T11:24:32.632+01:00The year in books :: September<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Once again I’m a bit late this month. It’s been steady progress
for me reading wise …<o:p></o:p></div>
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Firstly I read Tana French’s ‘The Secret Place’. I’m now
waiting for her to write a new book. I enjoyed this but perhaps not as much as
some of her other work. The story is set in a boarding school so with the
overtones of Mallory Towers in my head I set off on the journey. This time we
revisit Frank Mackey through his daughter Holly - who attends the school where
the unsolved murder has occurred. I found the story and excellent read but I
was a little bit disappointed with the ending. Just a little. Just me? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Secondly I read the second book from Tony Parsons in his new
guise as a crime writer. I enjoyed it. It wasn’t too taxing with too many plot
twists and turns to remember, the story trundled onwards interspersed with the
development of his main character Max Wolfe. I think this series was set to be
a trilogy but I imagine that if they sell well there could be more.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For September I plan to read The Magpies – Mark Edwards and
a huge number of craft books as I’ve just ordered 5 from Amazon’s second hand
bookshop!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Joining in again with <a href="http://circleofpinetrees.com/year-books-september-2015/">Laura</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
The Creative Academichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438707871350549392noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669321052517553257.post-23787408008590641342015-09-09T13:02:00.002+01:002015-09-09T13:02:33.066+01:00La Rentree<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Did you know that the French (and the Italians) have a word for this time of year? La Rentree (il rientro) is the autumnal time for going back to school. In these countries it's more than just the return to school. Often it's the return to work after the extended summer holiday (that they still seem to have for 2 weeks in August in Italy where every man woman and child seems to go on holiday and everything closes!).<br />
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I think it's a good word to describe this time of year. BigR returned to school on Monday (with labelled uniform!) and we start to settle into that autumn routine. It's a time for birthdays and for plans. And for stationery of course. It's a time when I feel relentlessly positive, a fresh start, a new moment. even the darkening evenings don't squash my perky mood</div>
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I'm more than ready for Autumn. We had a really good summer but this Autumn feels like a new year. LittleR is much better and things can continue in more of an even keel. </div>
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I've been making plans:<br />
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<li>things to do (places to go - I want to see the poppy exhibition at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park)</li>
<li>things I'd like to do in the house (including sorting through the epic number of toys and actually getting some out of the house, probably under the cloak of darkness), </li>
<li>things I'd like to make (food and crafty stuff)</li>
<li>things which need to be done (replace a window - ugh!)</li>
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So my newest plan is to make a <a href="http://baaramewe.co.uk/pages/daybreak-in-titus">shawl </a>for myself and knitted dolls for the girls from a most excellent book by <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crafty-Dolls-Jane-Bull/dp/1409346463/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1441800112&sr=8-3&keywords=jane+bull">Jane Bull</a>. </div>
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I've bought the wool for all the projects....and am itching to get going. </div>
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However...</div>
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I've already gotten in a knot with the biggest Titus skein. I'm also totally confused by the pattern. Turn the work 90 degrees clockwise and knit into itself? Might as well be in gibberish! Ah well I'll get there eventually. It's a good job Autumn and Winter last a long time!</div>
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The Creative Academichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438707871350549392noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669321052517553257.post-30895225349617892322015-08-26T13:20:00.001+01:002015-08-26T13:20:01.680+01:00Eleven Random things<div class="MsoNormal">
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<ul>
<li>This is an exercise in procrastination. I’m very good at
these things. The more pressing something is, the better my ability to avoid it
becomes. I should be writing a teaching session about Quality Improvement for undergraduate
healthcare professionals but I’m not. I have 2 days at work before I need to do it. Not feeling the fear yet.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>Whilst I was queuing (for a substandard university) coffee.
A woman rushed in and apologised for being rude to one of the coffee shop servers
the day before. She couldn’t stop herself from explaining how terrible her day
had been and how awful she’d felt afterward and how she’d not slept properly because
she’d been so awful. I wonder what she said. Then she had to apologise for holding
up the queue. I think she was apologised out after that.</li>
</ul>
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<li>I’m feeling the start of Autumn. It’s definitely dark when
the ABO gets up on earlies (4.20am today – ugh). There’s a nip to the air and
the back to school stuff is in the shops. I love this time of year. It seems
like the New Year to me, time to make lists and get stuff done. I feel
energised and ready to buy new stationery. There’s nothing like a new pen and a
notebook to get the creative juices flowing. At least that’s my excuse (see
point 1!).</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>The start of Autumn also means I’ve got birthday preparation anxiety.
BigR is 6 in a couple of weeks. I’ve ordered bits and bobs for the cake. It’s a
‘Frozen’ theme. Again. For ease the party will be done for us in a nightmarish
soft play place a couple of weeks later. She’ll love it. In fact her social
life is better than mine with no less than 3 parties that weekend. Will my
nerves take it? She’s written a (long) list of things she’d like for her
birthday including sparkly shoes (check), hello kitty stuff (check), a unicorn
beanie boo (The eyes on beanie boos. is it just me? Hmm I’m not sure about them)
and a real mermaid that swims (unlikely!).</li>
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<ul>
<li>We (using the royal we here, the ABO did the graft) redecorated
BigRs room. I bought the paint and chose the curtains (and helped clear out the
junk!). She’s overjoyed to now have an ‘Elsa room’. We’re lamenting over ever painting
the room pink as it was blue before she was born.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>There’s nothing like DIY and specifically flat pack furniture to bring out the worst in me. It’s
one of the few things we <s>argue</s> have discussions about! Usually because we've hjad some 'Chuckle brothers' type moving shenanigans (to me, to you) before we get to the assembly! We’re quite good
at flat pack stuff but the new bed frame almost defeated us. If Ikea made
normal bed sizes we’d have bought it there. Still the instructions said it
would take 50 minutes. There were 4 main pieces and the slats. Three hours
later we were still trying to stick it together. The old bed base had been
rained on so there wasn’t even the option to give up. Finally, it was done and
with a little time before bedtime.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>Apart from one room our entire house is now blue or green.</li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>I’ve gone all retro and am reliving my youth making friendship
bracelets. Bizarrely, when my friend saw the one I made for BigR she wanted
one! I’m much better at doing them now than I was 25 years ago!</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>I’ve been enjoying digestive biscuits smothered in cream
cheese topped with strawberries. Yum!</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>I’ve come across a Japanese word which I really relate to ‘tsundoku’.
The act of buying books and letting them pile up unread. I really need to read
the books I have on my kindle before buying any more!</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>I managed to grow a carrot. And some apples. Obviously we’re
now self-sufficient with 5 apples, 2 carrots and a couple of radishes. Still
there’s some tomatoes to come. If they ever ripen!</li>
</ul>
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The Creative Academichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438707871350549392noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669321052517553257.post-12320301780063083092015-08-19T15:52:00.001+01:002015-08-19T15:52:17.898+01:00The year in books :: August<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
So the summer continues apace. July was a good reading month for me in both volume and quality.<br />
<br />
I loved Tana French's 'Broken Harbour' - I really like her characterisations. So much so I've ordered The Secret Place for this August's reading (....I know, I know I'm a bit late...I <i>may</i> have started it). I'm also planning to read The Magpies by Mark Edwards, I'm just not feeling Kate Atkinson yet!<br />
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I read the fabulous 'I let you go' by Clare Mackintosh. A first book from a new author and a brilliant thriller (and part of the Richard and Judy book club- that might put some people off - not the reason I read it but it wouldn't put me off).<br />
For me, this was as good as 'The girl on the train'. I loved it. It kept me guessing and the end wasn't a let down! What more can you ask for?<br />
<br />
My third book this month was 'Bad Mother' (Esther Walker). I really love her blog Recipe Rifle and her other writing so it was opportune I saw this when browsing kindle books, it's just so easy to click 'download now'. She writes honestly about her experience(s) with her young children and with humour (and a bit of swearing). It was worth the 99p!<br />
<br />
As a change to normal bedtime shenanigans, we're trying out chapter books for BigR. The first being 'Charlotte's Web'. Now, it's as good as I remember but....I've read ahead and I don't remember the denouement being as heartbreaking. Maybe not the best thing for bedtime!! The next one I think we'll go for is 'Stig of the Dump'.<br />
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I've been reading some of my birthday presents too. Of course these are food related. I was lucky enough to receive Diane Henry's 'Cook Simple', Rachel Allen's 'All Things Sweet' and the River Cottage Preserving book. Plenty for me to try out soon.<br />
<br />
Joining in with <a href="http://circleofpinetrees.com/year-books-august-2015/">Laura</a><br />
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<br />The Creative Academichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438707871350549392noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669321052517553257.post-32781543365788271862015-08-02T21:35:00.000+01:002015-08-02T21:35:09.479+01:00Normality, preserves and a miracle<div class="MsoNormal">
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And so. One long exhale. I like to start writing as if we
were mid conversation or that comfortable ease of good friends meeting up
after a long absence. It’s been a strange few months but we’re getting there. BigR
finished her first year in school – how did that happen? We managed to get away
on holiday and it was the break (or as much of a break as it can be with small
children) we needed. LittleR has been
back to nursery and I’m back to work. Normality strikes. I’ve been craving it
but now it’s here it’s a little odd. We’re living with the shadow of the illness;
it lurks there and we carry on as usual waiting for crisis. I’m sure the
waiting will become normal too. <o:p></o:p></div>
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July was busy month. Birthdays (mine and the ABO…who reached
that milestone), holidays, school ending, hospital visits and what seemed like
endless rain! <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve been using my new (birthday) dish – I’m not used to
cast iron cooking and as such I’m managing to stick stuff to it every time…I’m
sure I’ll learn eventually! Its current home is on the worktop as it’s too big
to go in the cupboard. Maybe I should rationalise some of my other cookware?
Even then I would need to chuck out every other pan we have – it’s a big
casserole!<o:p></o:p></div>
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In other news I made jam. Nothing exotic. Plain old strawberry.
It set! It tastes nice! I call it – “a success”!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve been reading a lot. But I should save that for my 'The year in books' post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Never one to be left out, BigR is in competition with her sister
for hospital appointments. We’re now a ground and tree nut free family. It took
5 years and 8 months for her to have a (big) reaction but now I’m panicking what’s in
her food! I’m sure I’ll relax about it soon!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The garden survived our holidays but the torrential rain
since we came back made mowing the lawn difficult. In the end I had to cut it
when it was wet. Took ages and made me cross but now looks more passable. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The clematis (who shares its name with LittleR) has been
resurrected! I have no idea why after growing well and producing one flower it
went brown and crispy or why it suddenly decided to regrow. In any event, I’m a
happy girl.<o:p></o:p></div>
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(I hope to catch up with all your
posts in the coming days.)<o:p></o:p></div>
The Creative Academichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438707871350549392noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669321052517553257.post-39577976542968447702015-07-03T12:00:00.000+01:002015-07-03T18:00:29.555+01:00The year in books :: July<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<br />
Yes, I finally finished The Apologist. I actually really enjoyed it. The premise being that Mark, the lead character feel he needs to atone for all the bad things he's done in his life (from giving a restaurant a bad review to how badly he treated his first girlfriend) and his apologies are so heartfelt he's recruited by the United Nations as their chief apologist....<br />
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This month I also starting reading the next in the Tana French series of books "Broken Harbour". Although that'll be extended into July it's looking good so far. I really enjoy her characterisations and I'm intrigued to know whodunit!!<br />
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I decided I'd save the new Kate Atkinson until we (hopefully) go on holiday and also have another Rachel Abbott "Stranger Child" and a set of three short stories by Simon Kernick to keep me quiet this month....obviously this is subject to change on my whim!!! I migth also get the last Tan French book too. Need to have plenty of reading matter to choose form on holidays.<br />
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Last month, I also said I'd be talking about other things I have been reading. Well, for work I've been working my way through "Transformative dimensions of adult learning" and "Learning as Transformation" both by Jack <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Mezirow">Mezirow</a>. It's as accessible as it sounds, although the concepts are interesting I'm finding the book itself tough going!<br />
More to my taste is my bedtime leafing through Tender vol I (Nigel Slater) and Hugh FW's Everyday Veg. The cauliflower and chickpea curry looks very good (and doesn't involve the oven on these hot days!).<br />
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An aside - (whilst browsing for new books on my kindle the other day I was delighted to see the new Robert Galbraith book is out in October. It'll be here in no time!! That's October sorted then!)<br />
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The Creative Academichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438707871350549392noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669321052517553257.post-84359753530438797872015-06-30T13:09:00.004+01:002015-06-30T13:09:39.552+01:00Ten things :: June<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Here we are at the end of the month. I'm counting down to our (hopeful) holiday, the end of the school year and the end of the medication for LittleR. Hopefully normal life and nursery can resume soon. I need to be more positive I think.<br />
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:: It's exhausting trying to work in the evenings when you've managed a 2 year old's flighty temperament particularly when the work you're trying to do is as riveting as mine. Actually, the work is really interesting but I've reached the end of the line and need a break. I'm hoping to get one solid publication done before our holiday. That's the aim anyway.<br />
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:: The British Summer is here. I think it actually might be too hot. Well, we're experiencing 2 days of 28-30C in Leeds then, I expect it'll rain and normal service will be resumed.<br />
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:: I cannot believe it's nearly the end of the school year. We have sought and obtained a green T shirt (more difficult than it sounds) for BigRs class sports day tomorrow afternoon. It seems they position the parents in the direct sun. For hours on end whilst small people 'throw long pointy sticks' ("what's that called again Mummy?"..."Javelin?") I'll look forward to that then!<br />
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:: To make sure we make the most of the weather, we had another BBQ yesterday. In the last 3-4 years we've had maybe 3 BBQs but decided earlier this year to invest in a gas BBQ. Now there's no stopping us. I think this is the 4th BBQ in 2 months! I made some burgers and bought some sausages - standard BBQ fare.The ABO has plans for doing a whole fish now!<br />
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:: The garden is looking pretty good even if I say so myself. It could do with a bit more planning rather than chucking it in and seeing what happens (aka hoping for the best!) but most of it is looking pretty good so far. Let's hope it can continue into the later summer.<br />
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:: Somewhat disappointing is this year's strawberry haul. I'm not sure what's happened but lots of the strawberries have turned white and hard rather than ripening. We shared the only one suitable for human consumption yesterday. Fingers crossed for a few more. Still our peas and runner beans are looking good. And then there's a late show for the sunflowers, no buds yet but I'm still hopeful!! And of course we still have some apples on the tree. <br />
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:: One major success (for me at least) was the fact I grew a radish! Yes just the one but it was peppery and delicious. There are potentially some others on the way - possibly even enough for a salad! I've tried radishes for the last 2 years and finally appear to have gotten somewhere.<br />
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:: There have been a few sweet treats. My parents visited and brought treats from Betty's.<br />
I have made a cherry cake and rocky road (how easy is rocky road? -I'd assumed it was a dark art!). Now I'm planning my birthday cake. Hmmm...what to make?<br />
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:: I treated myself to some supermarket peonies. Finally, I found some on offer. I love how they take ages to open and unfurl and then are suitable blousy and frilly.<br />
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:: We took the girls to <a href="http://www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/Pages/Abbey-House-Museum.aspx">Abbey House Museum</a> one Saturday afternoon. It's a great place to look round, particularly if the weather's bad and the cafe's open. They have one area set up as a Victorian street then the rest of the museum is devoted to toys and games from throughout the ages. Of course the girls' favourite part is where they can make pretend tea parties...of course they can't do this at home because they don't own any cups/plates/jugs/coffee pots or play food.<br />
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The Creative Academichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438707871350549392noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669321052517553257.post-74219617948468863392015-06-10T21:51:00.004+01:002015-06-10T21:51:35.289+01:00In my head<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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There are lots of things in my head at the moment. Some of which are easily shared, some not so. It's still hard living with a background of worry. I'm working on papers and research plans in the evenings to make up time for not being in the office work. But...<br />
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:: The sun has been shining which has improved my mood (and the girls too) no end. We go outside to play at least twice a day. I attempt to stop the smallest girl picking every flower in the garden and mostly act as umpire (well football season is finished...) over who wants what toy...<br />
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:: The garden has taken shape nicely, quite by chance one bed is full of only purple, and blue and white flowers. Anyone would think I'd planned it that way - it's just a fluke. I'm usually of the mindset of shove it in and see if it grows!! I'm loving this allium - wonder what it'll look like when it's fully open?<br />
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:: I'm wondering why on earth a Nobel prize winner would be such a fool and say <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-33077107">what he did</a> and then pass his gaff off as a 'joke'. There's plenty of people not laughing. Sexism is alive and well and in a lab near you. It's nearly 20 years since I started my PhD - you'd have thought things might have changed but I know that the 'leaky pipeline' is alive and well and no thanks in 2015 to a man who makes comments like that. I could go on but I may spontaneously combust. <br />
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:: I've been baking. Tonight there's a cherry cake in the oven. Earlier this week I made scones. I think I may have found a super scone recipe (better than Mary Berry's) <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/paul_hollywoods_scones_70005">here</a>. I think it's the use of strong flour that makes the difference. Very yummy even though I didn't have any clotted cream.<br />
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:: I'm struggling to think that in a month it'll be the school holidays an BigR will have completed her first year at school! How did that happen? We're having to plan her birthday party now as she's 6 the week everyone returns to school and the invitations need to go out! Eek.<br />
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:: I went for a lovely day out with a friend, her new baby and LittleR to Harlow Carr. We had a delicious (birthday) cake in the Betty's cafe there and a super walk and put the world to rights. The alliums were beautiful...<br />
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I love the meconopsis - fancy this in my garden next year...<br />
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:: One of the clematis I've been growing has suddenly turned brown and crispy. I'm very sad. I've plants with the name of both my children in the garden and neither are up to much this year. Maybe I'll just buy a new one!!<br />
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:: I joined the bandwagon and got the Orla Kiely jars. Not used them yet but they're there...ready...<br />
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:: I'm planning the ABO's birthday. It's a significant one that ends in a zero. He did so well with mine a couple of years ago I've got to get it right. It doesn't help we'll (hopefully -small child depending) actually be on holiday for it so some of the gifts need to be light enough to tarvel with. Maybe I should make a list?!<br />
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The Creative Academichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438707871350549392noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669321052517553257.post-63181406039743579322015-06-01T13:59:00.000+01:002015-06-07T20:33:42.834+01:00The year in books :: June<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlcNd9jVlXZIIYGt7FUp-vFyIrFygeQ8fljM5uUqYWuLkmMO9Oda3pmSq-FPdtlFrLwi6L9M4YItjcBQHduadnz36-LyqSh7nzA8hNKClAQeFM_dK7D_rKon03b_QnH8aEmslqNQZYMvt/s640/blogger-image--1156225374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlcNd9jVlXZIIYGt7FUp-vFyIrFygeQ8fljM5uUqYWuLkmMO9Oda3pmSq-FPdtlFrLwi6L9M4YItjcBQHduadnz36-LyqSh7nzA8hNKClAQeFM_dK7D_rKon03b_QnH8aEmslqNQZYMvt/s640/blogger-image--1156225374.jpg"></a></div><br>
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Once again (here come the excuses) I've not actually finished a 'reading' book. I'm halfway through Jay Rayner's 'The Apologist' and good though it is, it's not been completed. I've been busily reading cookery and other food books in search of some inspiration to go beyond our usual dishes and also gaining inspiration form craft books at all the thinks I could make in my free time (hahahahaha).<br>
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This got me thinking about what I consider reading. In fact, I have, actually read a lot this month...but just not what I consider a proper 'reading' book.<br>
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In June I aim to<br>
:: finish The Apologist<br>
:: Read A God In Ruins<br>
:: Write down all the other books/magazines I read to see what else I get up to!<div><br></div><div>Joining in with Laura.</div>The Creative Academichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438707871350549392noreply@blogger.com4