Precious things (4)

Although this is a physical object the precious thing contained within is not. I love all types of glass. This is not really very useful with two small children around the house. We should invest in some very high up shelves, especially now LittleR is perfecting her skills as a mountaineer.

That aside, I still love glass. This glass bottle was sent to me by a very close friend. She moved to New Zealand 10 years ago. I have no idea where all that time has gone. In the most recent of times our phone calls have dwindled. It’s hard to keep that connection when there’s a 13 hour time difference and you have so much happening in your life; me managing family and work  and she managing building her own home.

Our friendship is more than phone calls though. I know that if I needed her at any moment to listen or to vent to, she’d be there. Contained within that bottle is our distilled friendship. Last month, Sarah talked of transient treasures, which made me think. This precious thing cannot be seen but is there. She’s often in my thoughts and every time I pass the front door, in or out of the house, I see the bottle and think of her and her friendship.

You can see others’ precious things here:

Sarah at Mitenska

Leanne at Today’s Stuff

Bee at The Linen Cloud

Festivities and such like

I've felt a little lacklustre the last week or so, poor sleep and the start of a cold (which fortunately didn't materialise into anything more) coupled with my busiest teaching time and other work pressures has meant I've not been able to spend more time at the computer. I've been reading your blogs on my phone but it’s a real pain to comment via my phone so I've felt more absent. And of course there’s that thing about getting out of the habit. I’m hoping blogging is like riding a bike in that respect.

So…here we go. In no particular order.

:: I’m feeling Christmassy. Is that a word? Perhaps festive is more accurate. I think it’s having 2 small children that has done it to me. And the fact that I’ll be finished with work from next Weds until well into the New Year. We've been counting sleeps until Father Christmas makes his visits. This year we also all have an advent calendar thanks to Grandma and Grandad. Typically the big one has a Frozen one! There's nothing that has missed the marketing drive!

:: The tree went up just prior to the 1^st December – far too early for my liking but it was one way to bribe, ahem, reward  a small child for staying in bed past 6am! The ABO was on earlies so there I was at 5am sticking the branches in.

:: I have been able to buy some new decorations…mostly child choices but this enamelled tree is one of my favourites. It’s made by a local artist, Shelley Lodge. We have a picture of the four seasons she’s done too.

:: We've made some gingerbread biscuits…in festive shapes. I like the Christmas trees….BigR likes the snowmen. LittleR just likes to eat them! Next stop mince pies...only the ABO likes them so we'll have to make some jam tarts too.

:: The girls have visited Father Christmas as the school fair last week. BigR wasn't entirely convinced. Not that she’s not a believer, she most definitely is, but Father Christmas wasn't wearing his big black boots and so there was obviously an imposter there. We decided it must be an elf pretending as the real FC is far too busy at the moment. LittleR was ‘ho ho ho’-ing on repeat.

:: I've been trying to make some decorations for the house/tree/gifts. I've sewn some buttons on some felt and that’s as far as this bag of goodies has gone. The ABO is on lates and then away with work next week so I’m hoping to crack on with it…or wait until Christmas 2015. If I make anything I’ll share it here.

:: Most of our present buying is done. We’re a very small family so it’s quite an easy task. Plus I couldn't take the bun fight that toy shops would be. We won’t be travelling the length and breadth of the country at this time of year so we’re focussing on it just being the 4 of us. My parents (G&G) are visiting this weekend and Grandad (G- the ABO’s Dad) is coming just before Christmas. The ABO goes back to work on Boxing day. There’s really only the food purchases to make now and they’re the ones I like the best (especially choosing the ABO a chocolate treat….maybe Hotel Chocolat this year?).  I just have one more gift to buy for a friend. I’ve even been able to be smug and make the last posting for New Zealand.

:: Having said that I went to the supermarket on Black Friday (this was a new one on me!!) and was stunned to see police sorting out the queue. Who wants a big TV/ child's wendyhouse or  a scooter that much you could be trampled in a crush?

:: We took the girls to the Thackray Medical Museum. You can go back as many times as you like through the year on one entry price. We've been a few times but there’s always a new button to press or thing to see. There’s a great exhibition of how Leeds was in the mid 19^th Century. Including the smells:  fascinating and horrific.

:: I've had my hair cut. This might not seem like an event but from having almost waist length hair it's now just on the shoulder. I did tell the hairdresser (who I've known for over 10 years) to cut it all off but he didn't go quite that far. My very fine hair now feels thick again. I should’ve cut it ages ago.

:: We've been rearranging some storage areas. We’ve gotten rid of our CD cabinets and put the CDs into wallets. Most of our music is on the computer and can be played wirelessly through phones/ipad/ the tv(so I’m told!) so we still have the originals but they’re not on show anymore. This area has been replaced with a book case for my ever growing cookbook (and burgeoning craft book) collection. And yes I've asked for two for Christmas.

:: I ‘need’ a new phone. I had a middle class disaster and dropped my phone onto the dishwasher and the screen now has a big crack in it. It’s been like that for over a month now but I am due an upgrade.  Shall we see if it takes me as long to replace my phone as it did to get my hair cut?!

:: I treated myself to a solo breakfast in town. I had a paper to mark for work and could do that and eat so I did. It was very yum. (Yes I had started before I thought to take a pic!!)


:: BigR has been learning her lines for the reception school concert. She knows everyone else's parts too. A girl after my own heart. I was pleased that I only had to provide Christmas clothes (I did have to ask for clarification!) and a Santa hat as a costume. Apparently there are lots of sheep. My mind boggles.


:: I met a friend, who I used to work with, for coffee. She's getting married next year. That's just such fabulous news.

:: I have been loving the sky at various times. We've had plenty of rain and dreich weather but some beautiful, cold, clear crisp days.

:: Two friends are almost back from maternity leave. They're doing 'keeping in touch' days until January. I've really missed them and their work camaraderie over the last year.

:: There are still roses flowering in the garden. Although we had a 5 minute snow flurry today so not for much longer. 


:: I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone's happenings and seeing everyone's news in the run up to the end of 2014,

Miscellaneous and happiness and random thoughts

Sarah over at Mitenska has had posts on miscellaneous things in her week. Gillian writes about her weekly happies. I'm going to do a combination of these two things. I not usually such a join-er in-er (is that a word/phrase??) but I can't not join in with these.

We survived our first half term. It was a whirlwind of getting stuff done, reading, trips out, family visiting, eating lots, treats, cinema visits (Daddy and daughter day)  and catching up on sleep. It has (almost) been a relief to get back into a routine and back to work/school - although I'm pleased this is my last working day of the week....

We had a fabulous day out in Whitby. The sun shone and the weather was warm (for the end of October). We made collections of stones (and brought a few home), played crazy golf, ate fish and chips and ice cream. It was a very good day. We all slept well after the sea air!

I traversed the entirety of Leeds to get a pumpkin on Halloween. A trip to big Tesco resulted in no pumpkin (but nappies - the real reason for going) but BigR did see Tesco staff members dressed up for Halloween, and from no where (when the music started) run into the centre of the store and start dancing (in time) to Thriller. Very random but very good. This resulted in much YouTube after to see MJ in action. She wasn't sure if he was brilliant or not.

I did eventually get a couple of pumpkins in our local veg shop. One was very anaemic....scary :) they're still sat on plates in our kitchen and going slightly fusty now so I'll have to spirit them into the bin later tonight (under the cover of darkness) so there are no protestations.

I made a ginger cake following this recipe. Yum. It's gone now.

I ironed and ironed and ironed to X factor. I think the ironing made X factor better. I finished all the ironing and gloried in that moment where there was no more ironing. Sadly, there's now more ironing. who though uniforms and being smart was a good idea?

I finished knitting my hat. It's blue and green not purple. It's a bit big. Maybe I should've made the biggest child's size? It looks a bit wonky here too but 'in real life' it isn't. I will be wearing it. Maybe I'll even model it?

I took more pictures of roses in the garden. Still yet more appear and flower (don't look at the black spot on the leaves) and it's November. Just beautiful.

I've been reading lots too....recipe books mostly. In bed.

Today I've been embracing The Smiths. Spurred by this post from Leanne. This isn't my favourite Smiths song but it's got very good jangly guitars. I love Johnny Marr.

Why I write

I was nominated to participate in this blog hop by Christina at A Colourful Life. I was really flattered to be considered as my blog is fairly new.

I’m writing this after being on the go all day...this is not unusual...I should really think about time management some more! I wanted to post before I became busy with work this week and then a short break. So I may edit in some more when I’ve thought a little more...I’m sure there’ll be something I think of the minute I press publish!


What am I working on? At this precise moment, nothing in particular. I don’t really plan these posts in advance (can’t you tell?) They come about organically. Sometimes I have an idea and think...’ooh I’ll blog about that’ but generally I post what’s in my head at that moment.


How does my writing differ from others in my genre?
I’m not really sure what genre I fit into. I guess it’s the ‘working mum of two young children who likes books, gardens, crafty stuff, tv and wine’. I’m a little bit secretive here about who I am, mainly for professional reasons. I don’t really want random students finding my private space – it’s like when they want to ‘friend’ you on facebook...er, no. I want to be able to write here about anything I like and not feel constrained.


Why do I write what I do? In a previous life I kept a written journal. Snippets of the day to day and how I felt about things. Some days I would write lots and navel gaze in great detail. Other days were just the odd line or two to remind me what I was up to at that time. My blog is a more public version of that, just me, documenting aspects of my life and allowing me to have a record of this time. This time where my children are young and where I’m balancing life as a mummy, an academic, a friend, a partner, a daughter, a woman. Seeing where my life fits in to the world and generating friendships through this.


How does my writing process work? I don’t really have a planned process but I fall into when the mood strikes me. I blog from my sofa and during breaks at work. Usually, the latter is when someone is having a loud phone conversation and I can barely concentrate. - the joys of academia in an open plan office. Sometimes I make notes on my phone if I want to blog about something specific. My photos all come from my phone - I have much to learn about light and making these much better. I think one of the reasons I don’t plan to much is I’d then think I’d need to revise and refine my writing (as I do at work) and I like this being straight from the heart.

Part of this blog hop is to nominate others to join in. It’s so hard to choose! I’m still waiting to hear from a couple of people and wanted to post before time ran away...

So I nominate Sarah from Mitenska – this was one of the first blogs I plucked up the courage  to comment on. I love Sarah’s beautiful photography and writing. Her blog is so full of inspiration and positivity. She writes beautifully about her life, home and the world around her. I love seeing snippets of her notebooks and her drawings.

 

Sunshine with occasional showers :: days 30 - 56

Although I've been making a note of the little incidences in my life in my notebook, I've not really shared them here. I’m not sure if a whole list of things is that exciting for anyone else to read but, then I guess I’m writing this for me, not anyone so here goes with 3 weeks of happy moments.

Day 30 – Another midweek dinner of pork chops. I did the mash in the food mixer and my goodness was it smooth. Goodbye masher and potato ricer. Hello Kitchen Aid – you truly are amazing!!!!

Day 31 - A solitary snail on the path in the garden. This was soon in the garden recycling bin. Safely chomping on my weeds not my plants!!!

Day 32 – A random accident in the kitchen resulting in a comedy child’s plaster. It’s all we had. Plasters are a form of currency here. We had a range of Peppa Pig, Hello Kitty and Princess ones that the ABO brought home from Italy. Now we’re down to monkeys and butterflies. I must remember some more practical (and plain) ones.

Day 33 – I gave a presentation for my day job and it went really well. It was one of those days where you’re on the top of your game and the audience appreciates what you’re saying. This was followed up with really delicious fish and chips for tea…yum!

Day 34 – Participating in my first rainbow flash mob. Green…chosen for me by Gillian.  Not particularly good pic but I did enjoy looking round for the things…and of course spotting loads more when I’d taken all the pictures!!

Day 35 – The doggy ears are almost finished…I can really see the dog coming together now…

Day 36 – Out for a meal with the ABO…alone and no children. Fantastic. Afterwards, we’re so full and as it’s a nice evening we walk home holding hands (unheard of as usually one of us buggy pushing and the other holding BigRs hand)

Day 37 – A joint effort lasagne – I made the meat ragu and the ABO made the cheese sauce. Delicious.

Day 38 – We both often try to get the girls to put their toys away but I love looking at the remnants of their games.

Day 39 – Taking the girls swimming to the University pool. Changing rooms clean and tidy with space for a baby change making life much easier. LittleR was much more confident in the water.

Day 40 – The ABO at work and it’s a bank holiday…hmmmm….what to do? Make a cottage pie, make an apple and strawberry crumble. Take small children to Hobbycraft and along with ‘necessities’ being talked into buying pipe cleaners and a pair of purple glasses!

Day 41 – Appreciating the frilly tulips that have appeared in the garden. Tulips really are one of my favourite flowers.

Enjoying the end of my book (although it made me cry!! In public!! Shhh no one noticed…I hope!!), a coffee and the plate a piece of shortbread came on.

Day 42 – The anticipation of starting a new book and realising a few pages in it’s going to be a good one!

Day 43 – It’s not nice when your children are poorly. It can be stressful and exhausting but the snuggles you get are unbelievable.

Day 44 – The ABO is on standby and I am working at home. He takes great pleasure in washing the car. I take pleasure in not washing the car.

Day 45 –  Today is a day of completion. I finish a superb book in 4 days (Apple Tree Yard – Louise Doughty coming soon with a Year in Books). I finish the knitting part of LittleR’s dog. I finish watching all of Eurovision.

Day 46 – we all enjoy the last football match of the Premier League season. Where has another year gone?!!

Day 47 – A coffee on the way to work and enjoying listening to the radio. TalkSport and Radio 4.

Day 48 – Getting a lift to and from work and having impromptu coffee and cake on the way home

Day 49 – The sunshine! Especially after a disturbed night with a poorly child.

Day 50 - Finally, after 5 years, sending off my work as a book chapter. I’ve grown 2 children  since I started the work.

Enjoying the clouds today, so white and fluffy against the beautiful blue sky.

Day 51 – Sewing up the dog – nearly there….

Enjoying a spot of gardening – after a trip to the garden centre…

Day 52 – More gardening…

Seeing BigR in her first ballet show. In spite of being in a dark room on the hottest afternoon of the year so far and LittleR struggling to sit still on my lap….it was fab. BigR took it so seriously, you could see her concentration as she danced remembering her steps and playing the tambourine or shaking her scarf at the appropriate point. Then her joy when she spotted us in the audience.

Day 53 – We have a ghost hoover. The girls’ toy hoover switches on by itself. Spooky. I’m quite comforted by this – if it is an apparition maybe it’ll start on the proper vacuuming?

Day 54 – My flexible working application has been approved and I start part time working in July. The relief is unbelievable.

Day 55 - The girls have a Daddy day as the ABO is on days off…BigR ends up running through the sprinkler in the garden as it’s so hot!

Day 56 – Making weekend plans with a friend over coffee…it’s not only a bank holiday here this weekend but the University is closed on Tuesday too. The ABO is working earlies over this long weekend so I need to have things planned for our days

Enjoying time in together in the garden when the girls are in bed. Admittedly we were trying to sort out a blocked water butt tap which in turn led to repositioning guttering and then admitting defeat but it was still good to be out at 9pm and not freezing cold!

Back to work, eating and playing

Another week goes by here in Yorkshire. I made it a 3 day week...potentially trialling what life could be like if I’m brave enough to mention flexible working to my boss later this week but that’s another story...

The ABO and I had a day together on Tuesday. We escaped to Manchester for jeans (him), a skirt (me) and burgers (us). The shops are the same shops here in Leeds but arranged in a different order so that we’re never quite sure where we are, it’s not that familiar to us and seems to lend itself to pottering. Even the M62 being closed on the way home didn’t dampen the spirits too much.

Friday we had a family day at the seaside. After a fairly long drive to Whitby, we had fish and chips, ice cream and made sandcastles. The tide was coming in (and fairly fast) so we didn’t linger too long. LittleR had no fear and merrily chased sea gulls and ran toward the waves (in direct contrast to BigR at the same age who on Perranporth beach was scared by the very gentle sea) and BigR attempted to make sandcastles without getting too sandy (this is not usually her fear at nursery where she frequently comes home covered in mud and sand!!!).

 

The ABO went back to work yesterday. He’s away most of this week and we’re (literally) counting down the days until he’s based locally now...So in his absence (I find it easier if we have a plan one the weekend) we went to see old friends of mine from Un ii Sheffield. Their children are now teenagers (well one is and one nearly is - how did that happen?!) but they entertained my two really beautifully. BigR came away with a whole host of ‘Littlest pet shop’ toys my friend’s daughter has grown out of. She’s gone to bed with them too!

 

I’ve been enjoying coffee from our new machine....trying out new beans although I’ve been careful not to overdo the caffeine...well not too much...

I’ve been cooking . We made homemade pizzas this afternoon. I used Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall’s pizza base recipe which can be found in the river cottage bread book or here. 

For the tomato sauce I used this recipe from Sue at the Quince Tree. I’ve made this sauce so many times now...it’s useful for so many things and the girls lap it up. 

BigR added cheese, mushrooms and ham to hers. I kept LittleR’s a very simple margherita. They were delicious even though I didn’t put as much salt as Hugh suggested into the dough as I was going to be giving it to the baby. Actually I think I barely used10% of his suggested amount. I’m so used to eating food without any added salt (unless it’s butter, I love salted butter!). They were a great success with the girls...even if one did get stuck to the baking tray (why only one?)...

As a little treat the other night we had pancakes again. I bought my pancake pan with a voucher from my birthday when I went to my Betty’s cookery school day. It’s been getting good use. They were delicious. Filled with ice cream and mango. Yum.

 

I’m itching to get in the garden. I was reminded though that it’s not as warm as you think with some chilly winds. We’ll hold off on the temperate plants for now anyway... BigR planted peas at nursery and came home with her plants the other day. She was so excited that her seeds had germinated and would become peas!!! She checks on it everyday and so far she’s not been disappointed to see a difference. I’m hoping they carry on thriving and we can transfer them to a pot for outside later in April.

 

Plans for this week are

:: coffee with a good friend I haven’t seen for ages. We used to work together and I miss her. It’s taken us ages to get a date we can both do in the diary!

:: baking a cake for the return of the ABO at the end of the week

:: the usual supermarket type visit but to include some nice things to eat and menu plan for in advance

:: hopefully to get into my new book ‘Raven Black’...having finished ‘The Snow Child’ (superb!)...I’m not sure where my reading mojo has come from!

 

Hope you have lovely things planned too.