Mothering Sunday

On Sunday morning I was brought a book and cards by George. A lovely Alan Garner (he of Weirdstone and Owl Service fame) book of folklore and both a bought card via Daddy and a hand made card from nursery. The latter was particularly cute as they had taken a photo of George making it and pasted it inside. 

I was then brought bagels and coffee by Jon and we all munched away and got crumbs in the bed. The weather unfortunately was not up to much. We've had this foggy haze for several days now, the sun seemingly unable to burn it off so we remain under this grey malaise.

So I wanted to just get out of the valley for a bit. We all bundled into the car and headed off for a drive, calling to get some cheese and crackers for early tea as I just didn't fancy a roast.
It was a bit of an odd day.
I love any day with George and Jon and I know how lucky I am to have them - but I missed my dear old Mum very very much.
I wished we could have been there visiting her in Hawkshead for roast lamb and peas with gravy and mint sauce and roast potatoes....I could even picture us sitting round the table in 4 Kings Yard together.
It's days like this I can't believe she died at all, she's sat in her cottage with the french windows open and the birds dancing around tweeting in the garden, pecking at the toast crumbs from her breakfast, she's got a strong coffee and the smoke from the morning cigarette in her hand curls up and outwards blown away on the wind to Latterbarrow.

Booked it

The Cottage - Chipping Campden

Bertie with teddy

This small and rather hideous teddy was given to us a few years ago and so we gave it to Jasper who loved it and used to carry it round in his mouth and throw it up in the air; I thought Bertie might like it as he is so like Jasp and yes, he very much did.

No make up selfie

This is mine, only I didn't donate to cancer research; this time I donated five pounds to a local cat rescue and Jon donated five pounds to a homeless charity in Oldham.
We donate to Cancer charities a LOT having lost Mum to cancer seven years ago, macmillan last month and race for life sponsorship the month before. I was very very sceptical about the no make up thing but as it has raised a tonne of money i'll withhold judgement.

Throwback Photos

I found these on Jon's phone from a shopping trip a few weeks ago and had to include them..

after several attempts to get him on the boys bike Daddy had to give up and accept the inevitable...everyone wants a basket and a bell and streamers on the handlebars...well they do right?

Sneaking off...

Jon took Friday off and after a lie in for everyone he popped George to nursery and we had leisurely bacon sandwiches and coffee then later that afternoon we went to Hebden, parked on Old Gate and I snapped these two photos in the lovely weather. 

We went on into the pub of the same name and had a pint and some nibbles and looked for holiday cottages, then wouldn't you know it - the rain came down, so we were forced to go next door to Organic House for a coffee and cake. I recommend the gluten free chocolate tart. Very dark, slightly bitter and with an undertone of almond and honey.

Graham has a new girl

The Beast has landed....

Me: "Do those bars keep the moths off the lights...?"
Jon: *Stifled laughter* "Bloody big moths..."

Wednesday

After an awful night of coughing this little monkey was presented to the doctor - clear throat, ears and chest - one perky George - one knackered Mummy.

Bonkers

Looks quite calm, settled and serene doesn't he???....not a bit of it...running in and out of rooms trying to get purchase on a wooden floor, skidding into the wall, jumping to the top of the bannisters and falling down the other side, running back, leaping on the bed and biting the nearest toe. 

BERTIE = BONKERS

Happy St Patrick's Day

Special mention to my claddagh ring wearer, our bestie Graham. We miss you loads.xxxx

Dunham Massey

An afternoon visit to DM to meet Shaz, Dot and Brian; we were rather unlucky with our timing as they ran out of tokens for the house (which has been turned back into Stamford Military Hospital for the anniversary of WW1) at about 2pm. So decided to meet them after they had been around, which allowed us to take a walk through the beautiful gardens. Glorious to see all the daffodils. George absolutely loved it, running around like a little yellow blur. Unfortunately, by the time we met D, B+S I was really suffering with tummy ache, in addition to which I felt horribly faint. Time of the month is two things for me, not only do I get awful cramps but as someone who is anaemic anyway, I become even more so. Shaz told me I looked white as a sheet and I must admit that it was silly of me to opt for a cup of tea and not a sugary drink or cake - but I didn't fancy it at all. I felt better for the brew and we had a lovely time chatting - they were telling us all about the house and talking about the military hospital. Afterwards they took G for a little walk and Jon and I sat together on a bench outside. It was around now I started to feel a bit weird, half fainted in the loo and had to sit there for a while until I could manage to walk back out. Jon spotted me thank god, he'd twigged something was wrong and had been looking out for me. Shaz ran and got me a full sugar coke then and I got some energy back to walk to the car. She popped to get G then, who had been happily oblivious playing with Dot. The journey home was pretty rough but I made it, Jon snuggled me up on the sofa with hot water bottles and blankets and painkillers and George fell asleep on the other. Two hours later I woke up feeling much better and guzzled some cookies, then came up to bed proper. Dunham Massey was fabulous, but next time I'll be more careful with my timing.

Forty Years

Wishing Dot and Brian (Shaz's wonderful parents - George's 'special' Grandparents by proxy) a fabulous RUBY wedding anniversary. The photo is from Brian of the flowers we sent.

Spaced

We watched The World's End this afternoon, seriously weird third and final instalment of the Cornetto trilogy following Sean of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. This reminded me fondly of Spaced and all the happy evenings and early mornings we spent watching it.

Spring things