Stitchery Pokery

....This is not a valentines post - well sort of ......

2012-02-14T07:00:00.001Z

I or DBB don't really celebrate valentines in any real way. We have always felt that if we want to do something special or nice for one another we will just do it. Regardless of any set date. But I thought maybe a bit hypocritically of me perhaps that as it is Valentines today I would post up a poem I wrote a long time ago. As usual looking at words put down from yester year it needed a little re working. I quite enjoy doing this and its surprising too how much you change over the years.Like looking at old photo's and being horrified at the hair style or clothes that you happily went about in back then. Not just maybe in the way you think or the life experiences you have but just how you view something as simple as words you have written sometime ago. What mistakes or turns of phrases that you don't like or suddenly don't make as much sense as you thought they did at the time.

I always wonder about putting my poems on here as its not everyone's cup of tea, but I guess as this blog is my bit of cyber space and faffing about with words is as much me as anything else I do on here. More so perhaps. Anyway hope you enjoy it. It is a sort of a anti romantic poem and I kind of like the irony that I am posting it on here on the to some most romantic day of the year. Hope whatever you do today that you have a happy one. Romantic or not.

No Champagne Or Roses.......

Not champagne and roses this romance
more like cups of tea and dirty ashtrays.
Over which we oft talk and set
the world to rights.

Two minds do not always live in synchronised harmony.
And harsh words uttered in anger a temporary truth that sting.
But to the true hearts there can be a freedom in honesty and the unburdening of your cares to one another for if not you then who?
To be sometimes awkward - shy even after forever is still refreshing.
Although its OK to be aware of our own weaknesses it rarely pays well to dwell on each others.

To still find time for very small magical moments,

where fireworks still pop with colourful abandon,
even when reality harshly intrudes.
I still want you to be my right and I your left.
And if there are many things that are wrong in our lives,
but it’s still the story of us that we are reading
then that surely makes them alright.

So no thank you to champagne and roses today.
Pour us some more tea,
let us just sit a while like we have always done
side by side,
you and me.

MBB x

.........Winter Celebration........

2012-02-12T16:21:00.000Z

One day last week there was a little celebration here in the Boo Bear Shed.

There was homemade decorations and chocolate chip fairy cakes, with soft green pastel peppermint butter icing.

There was Lego, and a visit from a favourite Uncle who came for tea.

There was lots of cards, sparklers, family time and of course presents.

And yes there was an excited little girl who turned eight who has dreams of learning karate.

Happy times - And Happy Birthday Lala!

MBB x

..........Cold Compensations................

2012-02-06T07:30:00.023Z

We have enjoyed a bonus 3 day weekend here at the Boo Bear shed. With the Boos off because of a TTD and DBB struggling with his bad back on Friday we have been hibernating a little.

Time to enjoy an unexpected step back into winter, with the - temps we have had. Rather than fight it with thoughts of spring and gardening dreams, I decided to go with it. Enjoying little comforts and trinkets where I have found them over the past few days.

Warm mulled wine to ease away the cold and troubles of the day. Found a unopened box of mulled wine sachets the other night, whilst preparing tea. Found a couple of bottles of red wine and thought why not? So made up a big pan found an orange in the fruit bowl that survived Christmas and was still fresh and juicy! and there you go a nice warming drink. DBB appreciated the unexpected treat as he was suffering with his back.

Candle light. Nothing like it I have been lighting candles everywhere downstairs, safely though I might add. Little rainbow coloured tea lights flickering like little fairy lights on a Christmas tree. To wonderful scented candles in glass jars, creating warmth and rosy hue.

Blankets play a part too in the whole snuggling scene, a good film and candle light = Contented me.

Homemade spicy lentil soup has been a comfort too. A little coriander on top with lots of pepper. Mm mm yum. I could live on soup I think.

In the daylight hours there has been some mosaic crafting for the girls. A Christmas present they unearthed on Friday and had them busy for hours on both Friday and Saturday. Wow who would of thought it. A good present as Boo who has short supply of both attention and temper was happy to go at her own pace and stick here and there until a pretty fairy emerged.

Of course for me there has been craft of the woolly kind, as and when I felt up to it. This cold spell has played havoc with my joints. With my right hand falling victim this time affecting my wrist making simple things difficult.

So a good time to perhaps catch up with blogs or books take your pick. Disappearing into a different reality to be scared, amazed or just comforted.

Feeling my girls excitement at this years first snowfall, watching it come down alone in the dark after they tire and find other things to do. Watching this silent natures display and wondering why I find it still so magical and soothing when I hate it after the first day! But never really wanting to grow out of its sparkling spell. And although the snow fell for a fair few hours late Saturday afternoon until mid evening, most of it had disappeared by Sunday morning and its all but gone now.

Dancing in the dinning room to Glen Miller's In The Mood before Sunday lunch. Glad that I love all sorts of music and wonder how others that don't like music or not that bothered by it fail to see its creativity and beauty. Luckily DBB is used to my mad behaviour and flights of fancy!

Finding old favourites in a cupboard and now they grace my back wall in the living room. Much to La la's confusion. "But you took them down and put them away now you want them up again?" She enquired. Yes I said but it was well over a year and a half ago. So it's nice to have them back in the room again. I have always had a thing for cherubs and have a few pictures of them in the attic. Maybe one day they will grace us with their cute presence again.

A lovely long weekend. Full of comfort and lovely things. Even though there was a bit of suffering with joints and backs. Ahh well a new week beckons, and there is an eighth birthday afoot. A little blondie girly has been getting a tad bit excited. I think there might be baking at some point this week.

Well if nothing else is set in stone in this life there should I always think be cake.....................

MBB x

.... A Gift ......

2012-02-02T08:00:00.004Z

Last Wednesday morning I had a lovely time. I was out meeting for the first time someone very special. Although this special person had been in my life for a little while, this was the first time I was to get to meet him. Oh and give him a lovely cuddle!

Yes Congratulations have been in order for my friend Mrs Lovely Friend on the birth of her Son. Master Lovely Friend! And oh yes he is scrummy and very cuddly a very laid back little man he is. He let me cuddle him for the longest time! Much to my delight. Yes there was a fair old bit of clucking going on! he he.

Just before Christmas I wanted to crochet him a lovely blanket. I found some lovely chunky wool and just crocheted some flowery squares on a size 6 hook. The end result was a very chunky blanket. Just right for this time of year. Because of the chunky wool and bigger hook size the 5 squares across and 5 squares down size did mean it was a little bigger perhaps than other baby blankets. But no matter as I can just seem him snuggle down in it when he is a bit of a bigger boy for afternoon naps and the like.

It has also gone done well with little Miss and Mrs Lovely Friend too and have been reliably informed of much snuggling under said blanket.

And of course it wouldn't be right doing this post without a small picture of a baby foot..........

.............................. Or cute hand. Aww so sweet.

So all in all a fitting gift for my friend's wonderful and amazing gift.

Would just like to thank you all for the lovely comments on my last post. You really are all such sweethearts.

MBB x

..Ok So It Might Be A Done To Death Blog Thing..

2012-01-30T07:30:00.009Z

I know, I know you get a plant - Hyacinth in this case a boring brown pot and erm you cover up the pot. In of course crochet! Now I will be honest and have not entirely got the whole cover everything in crochet thing. I love a good blanket warm cosy pretty to look at and useful. Scarves, gloves and hats all practical and pretty. And don't be mislead into thinking that only useful craft stuff is allowed in the Boo Bear Shed because that would be an outrageous lie. I do understand and appreciate prettying up things with either wool or fabric. But I just have not really got the cover pots thing. Well that was until last Thursday!

I will be honest I was feeling a bit fed up on Thursday morning, much like Eeyore I was residing under a black cloud. DBB has been working from home a lot lately which of course is lovely and fantastic. Only trouble is we have no official office for him. Only the dinning room table. Our dinning room is the hub of the house as it is central to all downstairs rooms including the bathroom. So me pootling about doing the usual daily things do get hampered. And if there is stressy work atmosphere well that can start rubbing off on me too Yikes!

Anyway he has also been doing some random early hours of the morning work too. So on Thursday morning his boss told him too take it easy and have a break. So we found ourselves having a wonder down to our local supermarket. Mainly for some bread but that would of been boring just getting that it would seem. After a little mooch in our local DIY store and finding some gorgeous sweet Williams bulbs for 99p! Yay! I did happen on some Hyacinth bulbs in pots too which had been reduced to half price. Now you are talking. I really needed something to lift me from my rather dark mood and these two things rather did the job. As did the early daffodils that went in to the basket found in the next door supermarket.

Of course once home and plant in situ I had to admit it did rather need something other than the reddish brown plastic pot. Unfortunately I didn't have a suitable pretty receptacle to put the bulbs in. I did think about splashing some white paint on the pot, but worried about killing the bulbs. Not a good thought. And I guess I could of sewed a little cover with pretty fabric. But really didn't feel in the mood. So it seemed to leave only one solution. Mm mm a crochet cover anyone???

So on Thursday afternoon and evening that is just what I did. A few colourful rows of dc crochet and a little jacket was born. Very Attic 24 I thought (check this site out if you haven't a brilliant blog). Then I thought well why not some little hearts. So had a squizz at Julia Crosslands great tute for mini bunting hearts. I did four two small two slightly bigger. And there you go a little crocheted covered pot.

But and no offence to anyone but I am not going to make any covers for no apples. I am sorry I just can't do it. Although there was a suggestion once from a certain someone about a crochet cover for their banana. Er yeah I did ignore that one well after I stopped laughing. *Ahem*

Hope you all have a great week peeps! And thank you for your continued support in reading my blog and the lovely comments I receive. Although I have been having a little trouble in commenting on some. So sorry if I have seemed to of been quiet on commenting on your lovely blogs.

MBB x

.....Connections to the Past Part 2......

2012-01-26T08:00:00.047Z

My connection to this little village started when I was born and it was my home for the first two years of my life. Later it became my adventure playground when staying with my Grandparents.

Memories of Top Of The Pops with Kate Bush ,Boom town Rats, Queen and the Smurfs.
Of cola and crisp brought from the local pub. Open fires and the click clack of knitting from my Nan's needles. Tall canes of runner beans like soldiers all in a row standing to attention a vegetable patch to be proud of. A picture postcard view of the church in the near distance as a backdrop. The church bells pealing with their cacophonous joy either in celebration of marriage or calling all to church and Sunday dinner with various meats and vegetables. Cousins and aunts and Uncles visiting, taking tea always in a teapot with loose tea and served in cups and saucers that always tasted good different to me. And -yes freedom. A small girl with wind in her wild unbrushed hair, out adventuring and mainly looking for cats. An obsession that knew no bounds back then. Befriending one of the daughters of the family that lived in the end house, for a pet and cuddle of their Siamese cats.There was great excitement once as one of the cats had has some kittens! Charmain comes a name from the dark recesses of my mind. Whether that was the girls name or the cats I have long since forgotten.

Of finding small alleyways and pathways no grown ups telling me what to do once outside. Only the two much older girls that lived nearby that used to sometimes take me under their wing. Which was alright by me because they were older and cool. Taking me to the wreck (park) behind the church. Cutting through the church yard and being taken by surprise by the billy goat that sometimes resided there.(another little obsession grew that day) Chewing on the grass not a care in the world. It was the goat chewing on the grass, although I think we both shared the same feeling of happiness and being carefree.

It was for a small time in my life my little paradise a landscape where my little eight year old adventures took place and there were endless possibilities. Full of exploration and fresh air where time felt unlimited and energy was boundless.But time did move on and I didn't stay for holidays anymore only visits. But I will always remember those days from my childhood. My connection with this little village. Maybe because it was my home for a short time. Or just maybe because it does hold something magical about it. Billy goats, cats and all.

MBB x

.....A Connection To The Past.................

2012-01-23T13:51:00.000Z

There are places in all our lives that connect us I believe. They maybe far away from where you might call home in your childhood, but you feel a connection. Or it might just be the place that you grew up in and never really grew out of. This past Sunday my Dad asked DBB if we would take him to visit my Nan and Granddad's graves. So off we went. The little village that my Dad grew up in is just on the outskirts of the town that we live in. The town seems to ever encroach closer to this beautiful little hamlet and I do fear that one day this little place will be swallowed up whole by the sameness as the rest of the town. I hope not. But you do see the signs of it already. Though still there is a sense the minute you drive into the village you get a sense that you have stepped back in time.

You can tell this village is a little bit special to my family by the way my Mum and Dad were finding graves of those long past that they used to know when they first got together. In some cases I suspect my Dad knew a lot of them all his life. It seems this little place gets under the skin of its residence and that they never want to leave this little village up on a windy hill. It certainly seemed the case for my Grandparents. They moved here when they were newly weds and with a growing family. They started off in one of the little flats that look just like houses and then finally moved over the road to the house that my dad and his five siblings grew up in.

There was something wonderful in walking round a place that I know quite well and have very fond memories of and my dad like the back of his hand I suspect. Taking my girls round showing them landmarks and the places that meant something to him in his life growing up as a boy and young man in a rural village. Over the stile they went into the fields that he used to work in when he was a farm hand. I did eventually climb over camera clunking away. I was so busy enjoying the view and capturing it all on lens that I missed my dad calling me as there was a deer running across the land. I will be honest I thought it was a large dog bounding around. Yes a real dumb bunny moment!

I love this picture above. My dad in his own world and memories and my girls just loving the views. But he was on a little mission as there was something he wanted to show them.

This tree has been here since he was a lad. He used to come down and play on it when young. How amazing that it is still here. All this surrounds the church and grave yard. At the far end of the graveyard there is still a little scrap of land that was part of the big allotments that have long gone. The fact that this graveyard is surrounded by life all around it is to me an amazing thought. That life still goes on but the past and those long lost inhabitants are somehow still remembered and part of the landscape here. I think that is a wonderful thing. Not many are lucky enough I think to feel or have such a connection with a place or time.

The building in the above pictures is of the old school. Yes this is the village school that my dad attended when he was a little boy. I wish I went to that school how beautiful it is.

The house my dad and his family grew up in and the gate he used to jump over so legend goes when he was in trouble with his dad. What a little scamp he must of been!

This pub is one of what used to be many that featured in my Dad's life as a young man. Like a lot of rural villages in England public houses are quite the feature and many of them in the past could of had at least 3 or four a stones throw from each other. Sadly now due to maybe the hard times everywhere is experiencing or maybe just changed attitudes to how we might spend our recreation a lot of them are closing down. This saddens me as I have always believed that pubs are a good social aspect of all peoples lives and how they can be meeting points to get to know each other. Particularly in small villages like this.

This picture is a sad one in a way because this was where my nan spent her remaining days after having a fall. She did not seem to get over it and got confused and distraught. My Grandad could not cope as he himself found out that he had cancer at the time. This house literally overlooks the little green where they lived all their married lives. I think she found that most upsetting understandably. They both passed away about 3 years ago. She died in the August and my Gramps in the October. Just months apart. Their ashes are kept in the local church. I thought it fitting that not only were they together but kept in the village like so many other residents of the past loved. But to also be forever part of the landscape and remembered long after our time.

MBB x

.....By Request.................

2012-01-19T14:13:00.000Z

Wow! It seems that the world (OK small corner of blogland) was ready for the taste sensation that is Baileys and chocolate in cake form. And of course after having so many requests for the recipe I thought it was only fair that I did another batch just to refine the recipe for you lovely peeps. *sigh* the things I do for my blog! ;0)

And of course I might be biased totally but trust me these make a cuppa over the weekend a real treat. But I guess I will let you guys decide that.

So here it is by request Chocolate and Baileys Fairy cakes........

125 g Butter

125 g Caster sugar

125 g Self Raising Flour

100 g Quality Dark Chocolate

2 eggs lightly beaten

1tsp Vanilla essence

2tbs Milk

Into a bowl beat the butter and caster sugar together until pale and fluffy. Then slowly add the beaten eggs to the mixture a bit at a time then vanilla essence. Mix these all together.

Then sift in half of flour and fold into the mixture then add the other half and fold into the mixture. Melt the chocolate I tend to melt mine in the microwave as I find it easier I tend to put it in for about 40 secs stir then another 40 secs and give another good stir until it all melts.

Once the flour is mixed into the mixture have your melted chocolate ready and pour into the cake mix stirring it in thoroughly. Then add you milk. I do it this way as I find the mixture can become stiff and this lifts it a little and makes it look very chocolaty and glossy. Plus it lightens the bitterness of the dark chocolate too I find.

Put into fairy cake cases and pop into oven. I have a fan assisted oven and find that I have to bake at about 160 0c and they are usually ready in around 12 - 14 Min's. Although I usually check after 12mins. The amount of times I have had disasters because I have cooked things slightly too long and at a higher temperature because I have followed a recipe!

Once your lovely cakes are out of the oven make a few holes in to each one. Now for the good bit!

Pour your Baileys on top of your cakes now I won't give an exact amount here I find pouring the drink into a cup then spooning on the Baileys is the easiest way, make sure you cover the surface and you can be as generous or sparing as you would like.

Butter Icing :-

125 g Butter

125 g Icing Sugar

Baileys

Once cakes have cooled make up your butter icing as you usually would by mixing the butter and icing sugar together. Then add a little of the Baileys liqueur, mix together and then taste. Again I won't put specific amounts of the Baileys as I think it really is a case of tasting and adding however much you want to the icing. If you find your butter icing starts to go a little sloppy then just add a little icing sugar. Once you are happy with the butter icing apply to your cakes.

Then put the kettle on get a nice cuppa and enjoy!!!

I hope this all makes sense and would like to thank everyone that has shown an interest and commented on my last post!

Happy baking folks and it would be lovely if you do make these to let me know if you liked them!

MBB x

Some Kind of Wonderful..........................

2012-01-16T13:38:00.000Z

Finding half a bar of Green and Blacks dark chocolate and some cocoa powder late on Friday afternoon. Led to some cake baking and me creating chocolate and Baileys fairy cakes. A good way to use up Christmas leftovers and a wonderful way to start the weekend. Thought I would make some mini Victoria sponges whilst I was at it. Although a bit wonky and very homemade looking what could be better? ..........................

Eating cake by candle light of course!..................

A real cosy weekend of cake, candlelight and family time. Happy days.

MBB x

A Stitch In Time to Beat the Blues?...............

2012-01-12T21:11:00.000Z

Much as I hate to admit it, but I really do hate this time of year. I must be changing. Or there is something in the air. I have always loved winter. But if I'm honest have always found January a struggle. I suppose its that post Christmas feeling. Just before normality strikes back at the top of the New year I always feel enthusiastic if a little daunted about the coming year. I usually find a focus. This year its been about the garden and holidays and time with the girls and DBB. But its not working, I am restless, I feel lethargic and rudderless.......

Like a little boat on a choppy sea -

I have no direction and no sense of purpose. This feeling will pass as it always does but there needs to be a change.......... not sure what yet though.

So what I have I done to get out of this funk? Well a bit of tweaking of course! Before Christmas we had two lovely large red lamps. Until one met with DBB and an accident did ensue! lol. So now I have a spare red lampshade. I hate throwing anything like that away because you just know one day the right project will come along and you will be like Oh I have just the thing hidden in the depths of the attic/wardrobe! We brought them from the classy joint that is Argos a two for one offer. They were OK but I did harbour plans on prettying them up. But I got -

“ The look “

at the time from DBB the one that says step away from those lamps!(in this case). So I have bidded my time as you do to when the newness of said item wears off and they aren't so vigilant with "The Look".

So earlier this week was my moment to strike. This time of year I am always on the look out to inject a bit of cheeriness and more colour into the house.

And that red lamp’s days were numbered.

A few summers ago when we were sorting out the girls bedrooms I gave Lala's ceiling light shade a makeover. We were doing up the rooms on a budget and the light shade was pretty but a bit grown up for a little girl. It was a nice drum shape so I just made a little cover for it. The only thing I would of changed there was maybe using a blackout material for the back of the cover. As the lampshade in question was a patterned one, it does show through when the light is on. This time however the lampshade was just a plain old red. I like to back the covers with a calico or linen as I think this strengthens the fabric gives it a bit of shape. A pretty bit of lace a mistake in the calculations hence the spotty panel ( I love it when you can think round a problem) a bit of loopy cord and some self covered buttons later and.........

Ta dah !

A little lampshade cover. You can take it off and wash it make a new one if you fancy a change or just go with the plain old lampshade underneath. Perfect for someone like me who is always changing her mind about stuff!

Mmmmmm .......

I don't know I still fancy tackling that base though. White paint anyone????

MBB x

Year Review: Growing your Own - Is it worth it ? Well my future is looking green......

2012-01-10T13:52:00.000Z

So the past two posts I have waffled on about the wonders of growing your own flowers with a mind to cut some and bring indoors. I have lamented on the wonders of growing your own super veg as well as pointing out the less successful in our gardening endeavours. But the question is will I wax lyrical about gardening as whole? Is it the whole green fingered shebang worth lifting up that bright pink watering can for?

Well it might not surprise you if I say say whole heartily yes!If it is worth it but how is it worth it? I will be honest I really couldn't say on a financial note as it really depends on garden size amongst other things. But I think it would stand to reason that if you can pick most of that nights or week's vegetables then you will be saving money. I know one of the main reasons that will bring me rushing to the shops is the need for fresh vegetables, bread and milk. Of course I don't think I would fancy cleaning up after a cow but growing my own veggies does stop the need from visiting shops as much in the spring and summer and even early autumn months.

So how else is it worth it? Creating comes very quickly to mind. Taking an ordinary brown and sometimes sludgy looking space and making something wonderful out of it. Somewhere where you really might want to escape to on a pleasant sunny afternoon. And of course its even better if you know that it doesn't only look nice it has a use too. Looking through some of the snaps I took messing about in the garden last year fills me with pride and happiness. It 's not until you look back and see how pretty and lush it all looked once growing season got into full swing. At the moment our outside space at first glance could look very barren and not very inspiring. But comparing it to this time last year the garden has more of an air of slumber to it rather than that of desolation! The raised beds are there to be used again in the next few months as are the pots. Ready for the early spring clean up so that the plans I am slowing coming up with can be put into practise. As someone who classes themselves as creative seeing things grow and come together based on your ideas on such a scale really is a dream come true.

We mainly grew most of our vegetables from seed last year and plan to do the same this year. It can be cheaper to do it this way as plants grown in nurseries I have found can be pricey particularly if you are planning vegetable patch. But we did mix things up a little. It being our first proper year of growing I did treat myself to a few grown on plants. I think by doing this it can add a little instant colour in a garden. Mainly it was the sweetpeas and lavenders and a few other bedding plants. Hopefully this year I wont need to worry about lavenders because I do have a few from plants that I brought plus two grown from seed. It is true though that you do feel a little glow from the plants that you have nurtured from the start. But ultimately I don't see anything wrong with a little mix and match likewise with trading seeds and plants with any other keen gardener you might know. It adds variety to your garden and I had some beautiful flowers last year I might of missed out on had I not swapped a little with my mum.

As for containers to grow pretty plants in well I think pretty much anything can go! I have grown plants in a laundry basket, colander and most recently a fish tank. As long as the planter can drain itself without drowning the plants. I did have a near miss because I thought a plant lining bag with drainage holes would be enough in the fish tank but it wasn't and was water logging. Luckily DBB spotted this and put some holes at the bottom for me! phew had my spring bulbs in there. lucky we caught in time and green shoots are poking through the earth as we speak. Other than that if I buy containers I look out for deals in shops or just buy the plastic ones then paint them when I get home!

I think if you are wishing to have a little go at gardening my advice is just to go for it. Personally I find reading lots of information in books daunting and have in the past put me off. The way I go about it is follow instructions on packets read up about what I need to at each stage or needs of a particular plant. If the information seems to confuse me more or put me off I just experiment. I think that's what gardening essentially is. You have to remember that experts in gardening are that way because they have years of experience. It would be hard and a miracle to take on board someone else's knowledge that they might of spent 30 years gaining in one week. Living in the age of technology there is information out there for you to gain at any point in setting up and looking after your garden. There will be crushing failures as well as sterling triumphs.But take heart in that you are learning as you grow. Start off maybe with just a few inexpensive plant containers and grow a few things from seed. This way if things don't work out you won't have lost a fortune.

Growing is fun and fulfilling. It's true you do need to be patient and have a love of looking after things. Some of the things I have learnt in this past year is that courgette plants really do take up a lot of space so I will be cutting down how many plants I have in the raised beds. I learnt that children love taking part in planting and the picking of vegetables. My eldest girl is a fussy eater and although I wouldn't claim to any miracle in her eating habits she did enjoy eating fresh pulled up and washed carrots! Oh and to label my plants clearly mainly with my herbs, although I know some by sight and smell there are a few that are now a mystery to me! So in this past year I have enjoyed watching my garden come to life. And I really can't wait to see it happen all over again this year.

MBB x

Year Review : Growing your own - A lovely bunch of Veggies!

2012-01-05T16:58:00.001Z

Thank you for the response to my last post. It is hard to know whether these sorts of post have interest to anyone other than myself. I know gardening is not something that floats everyone's boat so thank you to all those that have commented.

So after the lovely flower fest that was the last post maybe I can tempt you with some yummy veg? At this point last year as well as the dream of my own pretty flowers adorning the garden and the house, I was dreaming of my own produce gracing the plates of my family.

I have posted before that I wonder if my compulsion or want to grow my own at this point in my life is because this was the norm that I grew up with. My parents have quite a nice sized garden wider than ours if it isn't as long. I am quite envious now of that space! lol (Sorry mum) My dad has never really been into gardening and the like and when I was a child my grandad was given the go ahead to unleash his green fingered desires on their garden. He only had a small but beautifully formed garden of his own so I don't think he needed asking twice. So I grew up with rows and rows of beautiful and ER not so beautiful (to me anyway - curly kale anyone?) of produce. Bowls and boxes would be proudly brought in to the house to be used for meals and of course my Gramps would take some away for him and my nan. Such good memories are these. And maybe I want these sorts of memories for my girls.

Once we had the raised beds insitu and the soil to fill them with, the planning could start in earnest. I knew there was no point in growing any old thing that wasn't going to be used. But even though with that in mind I did end up with an awful lot of beetroot. Only me and sometimes Boo if she is in the mood like it in our house. So I did end giving a lot of it away. Not that this bothered me but when space is at a minimum it did in that sense seem a waste. In the end we grew potato's, carrots, beetroot, parsnips, courgettes, sugar snaps and some sort of lettuce. Herbs in pots an attempt at peppers and aubergines. The carrots, sugar snaps and courgettes and beetroot were a great success and we had a fair amount from just the one crop.

We had about three different types of potatoes growing in separate bags on the wall. I wouldn't say we had a fantastic amount from them. Enough maybe for a dinner for the four of us in each bag. Maybe this year I will need to put in a few more tubers (potato bulbs - my mum had some potatoes in her garden grown from some old potatoes that had chitted I think is the term which means they have grown eyes so I think you can do it this way - I don't know whether the produce though is a weaker quality).

The peppers were started off in pots with lids indoors on the window sill I had a few of these at the early part of last year. Although the few that did grow on in to more sturdy plants there was not a sniff of a pepper! Hopefully if they survive through the winter we might see some fruit this year. We did OK with the tomatoes too, they were a little small and I am not sure once they were out of the cold frame that they were in right place. We had one aubergine plant that we brought as a small plant in a garden centre. We had not a sausage or aubergine come that to grace its stems. Although the plant itself grew quite big and sturdy. Might have to read up on them this year.

The salad last year was a bit hit and miss. We had a mixed packet of seeds with different types of lettuce. Unfortunately we seemed to only produce these awful big almost cabbage like monsters that took up a lot of space and were not very nice to eat either. We might of left them too long to pick. Either way this year I intend and hope to make a little salad bar in one corner of the patio I am thinking two shelves full with little plant lining bags with different salad leaves, Spring onions (they grew well last year) and maybe some radishes and cress (really easy to grow goes a bit too mad though so keep on cutting them down otherwise they go a bit "leggy") I did grow lettuce in bags this way late in the season last year after the previous lettuce disaster and they were really successful apart from the fact they were on the floor in the bags. A bit too much of an easy feast for the slugs and the like! So that is how I have come up with this salad bar plan. Hope I can pull it off! I am currently in negotiations with DBB as to where he will be putting those shelves! ( Nowhere rude thank you! ;0) )

I have a lot of plans for the garden this year. Its been nice looking back and really looking at what has worked and what hasn't and whether I can turn that around this year. I think planning the garden and keeping note will be easier this year with this rather gorgeous notebook. It has lined paper as well a blank, little pockets where you can put either seeds or information from books and magazines. It was a Christmas gift from Mrs Lovely Friend along with this lovely book about flowers. I have already started to write ideas and rough sketches of things that I would like to happen in the garden. As well as drooling over some beautiful images of flowers in the book.

Sorry about the scary hand shadow had to use electric light as it was too dark in our livingroom!

Along with the triumphs and disappointments we have had fun and smiles. All in all it was not a bad year for our first attempt at growing our own. I will be back with one final post on this subject really soon. So until then keep dreaming green.........................

MBB x

Year Review : Growing your own - Where to start and flowers.......

2012-01-02T10:00:00.002Z

As promised a review on my first real year giving growing your own a go! It seems though that I have Er rather a lot to waffle on about than I realised! lol. So I thought I would break them up into smaller posts. And use lots of pictures so you don't go crossed eyed with all the text. But just to be clear though I am no expert and all these posts are my thoughts, experiences and preferences. I think gardening is a life long love affair with learning curves throughout the many years you may spend together. Not unlike any relationship really I guess!

This time last year I had a big idea, a desire if you will that I had had for a fair while. I wanted to get my garden in order and start growing my own vegetables, herbs and flowers to adorn the garden and to sometimes be able to bring inside some floral bunches to enjoy.

Trouble was being really completely clueless it seemed such a daunting project to even consider beginning. But it was such an itch that would not go away until it was well and truly scratched. I had dabbled in growing plants in the past but with the arrival of the Boo's it had all somehow got pushed and left to the wayside. But last year was going to be the year I got stuck in. Yep last year I got my gardening grooooove on!

So where to begin? Assessing the size of the garden was really my first port of call. And how it is used. Like most our garden is multi purpose, with a car parking space at the end of the garden unfortunately essential to where we live. Trust me the growing space that area could be! *sigh* The patio of course is the area we eat out in. And the long strip of scrubby grass is where the girls play. I decided to put two raised beds either side of the wall entrance that surrounds the grassy area of the garden. They were not really in the way of the girls games and have given me quite a bit of space to grow all manner of vegetables in. All round the patio and the path that runs the length of the garden and our low garden wall gave plenty of space for pots of flowers, herbs, salad and even strawberries!

Let's talk flowers

So with a rough idea of where things might go, it was a question of what to grow! On the patio I had visions of an abundance of colourful cut flowers swaying in the summer breeze all jostling for my attention and ready for me to cut and enjoy indoors as well as out. I did invest in some lovely wooden troughs and so far with the mild winter they seem to be fairing well, ready for this years growing. I grew all the flowers from seed seeking out as many varieties I could for cut purposes. One of the most successful and joyous in their scent alone was the sweetpeas! Oh wow heavenly and they lasted and kept giving for months. I would say from my very limited experience they are definitely worth planting. They look and smell good all that you could really want from a flower really. A bonus with them being is that you can cut some of them and bring indoors.

Another plant I grew solely for its scent was the night scented stock. It took a while for the seeds and plants to establish but when it did of an evening the smell was again beyond amazing. I found when I was coming out of my back door around 7pm in the summer to water the plants they were at their most perky and most scented. You could even smell them from our kitchen window when open and I fondly remember a hot evening with this wonderful scent wafting in. The ones I grew were pretty to look at a mid bluey/purple in colour. But I have found out since that you can get them in all sorts of amazing colours and intend to source different varieties for hopefully an amazing sensual display this summer. Seriously if you can only grow a few things in your open space and just want something pretty that smells nice out there then give scented night stocks a go, for a truly wonderful summer display and beautifully perfumed summer evenings!

Dahlias different types of daisies and of course asters are always great for cutting and looking pretty and can flower quite late on in the autumn I was still getting some through well into October. This year I am hoping to put in some gerbaras. I love gerbaras for years and would dearly love to have access to some of these beautiful flowers in my garden. Also lavender is another favourite of mine too. A pretty beautifully scented flower it looks great in garden posies and can be dried at the end of the season and used in any crafting lovelies you might create. I did this and did a few scented hearts to put on Christmas presents this year. I love the fact that you have something even in winter from your hard work earlier in the year.

Roses, roses, roses! For me no garden growing flowers is not complete without some sort of rose. I love them I have to admit there are some great varieties out there to buy but tend to shy away from the really expensive ones. As I am just a beginner with all this growing malarkey I didn't want to spend loads of money on roses only for them to die. I found a lot of the garden centre's did some great deals buy 2 for £10 if you want to have a few colours or varieties.You can maybe split the cost with a friend or family member. I did this with my mum a few times and we both have ended up with some lovely roses this way. At the moment the roses seem to be OK going through the winter. I did prune them right back. Not sure if this is the right way but they seem to be no worse off at the moment for it

One of the great things I have loved this past year with growing is swapping and sharing. Whether it be with flowering plants or a lovely little tub of veg there is nothing quite like it. It does take time to set up a garden but it doesn't have to be perfect or complete straight away. One thing I am looking forward to this year is making a few changes and putting into practise a few new ideas. They may work they may not either way there will be fun and hopefully some pretty flowers that I know I will enjoy even more because I have grown them myself to brighten up an ordinary day in my life this year.

MBB x

Another Christmas..................................

2011-12-31T10:58:00.000Z

Another Christmas is gasping its last. Traditions have been observed, friends and family have been visited, Presents duly given out and received and the packages ripped of their brightly coloured wrappings, Excitement mounted to boiling point especially by Lala this year and the rich food of the season has been consumed with great relish! Laughter and fun a few squabbles - (mainly by the children) and a good bit of relaxing. As well as a bit of yearly purge from the girls rooms whilst sorting out their toys. So a local charity shop gained a few treasures too! Its all good.

Truthfully this year seemed so busy with the preparations. Mainly because I decided to make a little food hamper for my mum and dad. It was largely for my dad, as I generally struggle with what to get him every year. For the first time ever I had a go at making some christmas fruit cakes. Actually I can't lay complete claim to my sole making as DBB helped too. After a lovely meal and meander down at Avebury an almost yearly jaunt for us in celebration of our wedding anniversary this year the Sunday before Christmas day, we came back ready to do battle with fruit cake making. It was a recipe that was shown on the Kirstie and Phil's Christmas show last year. I liked it because I could use different dried fruits rather than the traditional sort with candy peel in it. I really hate candied peel - Bleurgh! Anyway they turned out a success smelled heavenly and then was liberally drenched in Calvados! Over the next few days I had the challenge of marzipaning and icing the cakes (we made two.) A bit daunting as I had never done anything like that before. But I think they turned out OK in the end.

I also made rum balls and peppermint creams too as well as some biscuits. I also put in a jar of the chili jam that I made a few weeks before and a bottle of Asti as my dad loves a few bubbles on Christmas day. It was a bit of an undertaking but I managed to get everything done in time to take it over to them the Wednesday before Christmas. They were really pleased with it I think!

The girls had fun making some sparkly baubles that I hung at the kitchen window whilst preparations were ongoing. They had great fun raiding my sequin stash! Definitely a keeper for Christmases to come. Christmas Eve dawned and found us again at my mum's. My longtime friend Mad Miss popped over for a Christmas visit. It did seem funny and took us both back to when we were teenagers and we practically lived in each others homes. I think she enjoyed seeing my mum and dad who she always jokingly refers to as her second mum and dad. Sadly we don't see each other parents much anymore so it was nice to get together at my parents. After that it was a very quick walk and back home again, to preparations and The snowman and Father Christmas. It wouldn't be Christmas Eve it seems without an 80's David Bowie introducing the first.

Christmas morning did indeed seem a longtime coming this year. This has been Lala's year it seems to reach crackers excitement point. 4.30 am I heard her bedroom door pop open and her light on. She must of looked around and decided it was too early. An hour later she was up again and I put her back to bed. No daft early starts for us round here where you all have had enough by 10 am! They both finally got up at a more realistic 7am to great excitement and a flurry of stocking present opening! It was just us four this year, and we had great fun. I just wish sometimes it wouldn't all go so quick! We had a pre-christmas tea at Mrs Lovely Friends as well as post christmas drinks and food at our neighbours too! And later on we are over at my parents for band hero and other games food and drinks and fun. To see the new year in or for those that hate it (DBB) just a one last Hooray! Before the dark nights really set in and we all start anticipating the spring.

So a new year once again crooks her slender finger beckoning us forwards. A tall slim figure dressed in a white flowing dress as bright and ethereal as any Dickensian spirit straight from one of his finely written pages. And what she harbours under her skirts for us only time will tell. So now its a time of thinking of what has gone before and planning for what may lay ahead.

Looking back at a post I did around this time last year and the small list of things I put that the family was hoping for I don't think we have done too bad. Swimming lessons for Lala are in full swing as has some dance classes for Boo. No puppies but two rabbits have joined the fun. Another holiday is booked for a bit later in the year this time round. My parents treat to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary, so that will be all of us going as well as another couple who are friends of the family. A big crowd lots of fun and the holiday home we are renting has its own pool amongst other luxuries. So many a plan has been made involving that! Sadly I have not got my act together in selling anything I have made on line. Lack of confidence I think being the main problem. But I did at least get my act together and grew a few things in the garden this year! I am planning on doing a post very soon a little review on growing your own, so if it interests you at all keep watching! lol.

So another year with laughing, loving fun and frolics. Of picnics and seaside trips, more gardening, hopefully a lot more making. Sunny days and chilly ones, Crisp mornings and golden afternoons and magical evenings spent under star light.Playing, dreaming, dancing and being. If we are lucky there will be not many tears or sad times. You can dream of the good things and only hope to keep at bay the rest.

So all that I need to do now is wish all my dear readers and commenter's lurkers and all a Happy and fantastic new year! Hope 2012 is full of what you are dreaming of..................

MBB x

So.......................................

2011-12-19T18:18:00.000Z

This is nearly Christmas! What have I done? loads with plenty more to do, fun stuff as well as the blah but the week seems choc full. And with that in mind I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone who reads my blog and supports it with great comments. It really does make this funny hobby worthwhile.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! and a Wonderful New Year. You will find me on Christmas day hiding under the Christmas tree with a bottle of something (as long as its not that dodgy bootleg stuff doing the rounds at the moment - anything will do!) and a mince pie. El Sparko I think! ;0)

Have a great time one and all and see you all in the New Year!

MBB x

This Time Of Year................................

2011-12-12T19:30:00.000Z

"Opening boxes of memories, Christmas's past. Dreams of a small snowy dusting to awaken to on Christmas morning. Open fires, warmth and comfort............................."

I could start my post like this. But it might not allude to the whole truth of the matter.

"It's a bit like I imagine going on set of your favourite programme. Where you see the dodgy props, and the hustle and bustle behind the camera. The sheer hard work that goes into you favourite show. It could for you ruin the magic ."

But then again that paragraph although I like it kind of goes in the wrong direction to.

Maybe it is a combination of both that this time of year brings out in us. I think we all have our own ideas about this time of year and how to celebrate it. I am not religious but do love this celebration. To me it is about lighting up the dark, thinking about the year past either celebrating it or learning from it. Observing time honoured traditions or just going with your own. And yes magic is there too. It might be that harder to see as you get older and have been handed the baton and challenge of making memories and magic for our own families. But it still lingers. Maybe it is just that strange quiet a stillness that you only ever really get on Christmas day. Maybe it is because if it snows outside it coats the world a magical white. Or maybe it is because its the second glass of fizz I have had and its barely lunchtime............ Either way magic is in the air - or the bubbles! *hic*

Maybe preparing Christmas is a bit like child birth, once the pain and agony of getting everything organised we can finally relax and enjoy the event that we have created! ;0)

I could lament about how truly dreadful the affair has become I could put on a post with a wry tongue in cheek observations about how sad ,commercialised and ghastly it all is. But I won't because I truly don't believe it is. Well as for commercialism isn't just about everything? A relative once told me about a newspaper they found in a house they were renovating. It was about a 100 years old. Reading through it they found a section where people wrote in to the newspaper. It was around Christmas time I presume and this lady was writing about her panic about getting everything done in time for the festive season including presents etc. Its quite a sobering thought that even all that time ago people had the same concerns. More so I expect as they didn't have the choice of ordering anything online, on the yea olde Internet!

Its like everything we do throughout the year and its what we make of it or not. Its our personal choice. And its strange because for all the grumbling that can go on about this time of year decorations go up earlier year by year.(I am a December at least girl). Most people I know are eagerly looking forward to some fun and relaxation with family and friends alike. And isn't that the point. Not the beautifully decorated tree although nice, or perfect dinner, amazingly wrapped presents (or presents even) or even amazing table decorations. Its the just being. Being comfortable, being safe and being loved. And yes there are many out there that don't have those things. And maybe because of that we should be grateful for those things even more if we are lucky to have them in our life.

Of course although our decorations are up that is about as sorted we get. And yes with two big birthdays a few days before Christmas there is no denying the financial strain. But we do the best we can. Presents still need to be wrapped and in a few cases need to be brought. I haven't made anything handmade for the girls this year. The main reason is I have just drawn a blank in what to make them. It is a shame but I am not beating myself up about it. Life is too short and they in truth won't miss it. If I am being honest I will more. Don't get me wrong the soft toys and pictures and other sundries I have made they have greatly appreciated and use and love them.But the truth is they are kids no matter how grateful as long as they have some plastic to play with they will be happy. And that to me is what its all about. Making those I care about happy.

Of course predictably the case of the lurgy nasties has bestowed its unwanted presence upon us here in the Boo Bear Shed. Boo and I have been particularly struck down with a really bad chest/cough infection? thing. I also have really suffered with a swollen wrist this past few days. Old Arthur likes a visit every now and then too. I did give up and in to it all yesterday. I could barely get my sorry butt of the sofa. So it was pyjamas and cheesy Christmas movies ahoy! yesterday. Complete with all its sentiment about this time of year. Yep I lapped it all up sick puppy that I was. But then I am a sentimental fool pretty much all year. So I guess at this time of year it shouldn't be any different! And of course I honestly didn't think about all the stuff and things that need doing this week at all!................ much! ;0)

Wishing you all a fantastic week. Preparing or not for the coming festivities. And apologies for not being around much. Hope to catch up with you all really soon.

MBB x

Fabric Chains..........................................

2011-12-04T21:19:00.000Z

* Just looking through my archives and found this tutorial. Thought it might be a fun make to decorate your home with this Christmas! As an alternative to paperchains. So have reposted it. *

A while ago I spoke about making fabric chains. Its a fun project to make either by yourself or you can get children involved by making up the chains. This version I have recently done with my two girls and it is a non sewing version. I have never done a tutorial before so please bear with me! I hope it will all make sense and that you will find it easy to follow. As they are a great alternative to bunting and with no sewing required it can appeal to everyone!

First up of course is to choose your fabric, this is a great project if you want to get rid of remnants. And the chains can be as colourful and varied or more simple as you like. Next make a template of the size of chain you want. It might be a good idea to do a little test run with a couple of cut out paper templates (paper will give you the same effect as the fabric once you have prepared it - this will become clearer later on) first as if they are little too wide and not long enough they don't chain as well. (trust me I have done it myself!)

The template above was a little too wide for a good result so it ended up being about 5cm -6cm by 27cm. (sorry to sound a little vague but I only thought to make sure the fabric strips chained well after I had sorted and prepared them, it really was a d'oh moment I can tell you.) But this is only a rough guide line and I would urge you to have a play with sizes until you get a result that you are happy with.

Next is preparing your chosen fabrics by ironing on interfacing. I used this as it strengthens the fabric and when made into a chain it keeps its shape really well. I used roughly patches of fabric measuring around 27cm by 46cm. This gave me roughly 5-6 strips using the template above. If you do it this way it will give you a neater result and you don't have to then cut out fabric strips and interfacing ones separately. It gives a much neater finish.

Next is cutting the fabric strips out. I recommend using pinking shears for this as the fabric shouldn't fray and you don't need to worry about stitching to neaten the edges.

Some gratuitous shots of fabric strips!

Right once you have admire and swooned over the lovely fabrics (OK I admit it I did!) it is time for some chaining action! Or perhaps put the strips away for a rainy day for children to do at a later date.

I found PVA glue worked really well for joining the ends together. Just putting some on one end of the fabric on the right side (or printed side) and then joining with the other end to make your first hoop or chain. I used a couple of pegs to just keep the first two in place whilst the glue had a little chance to grip. I found just by going down the chain this way (using your first peg at the latest chain) the easiest. You might have to negotiate around the peg though and if little ones are doing it they may need a little help at this point.

Just keep threading through each chain like the above picture. We glued our fabric end laying it flat on the table first then looped them through. It can get a little sticky, but all part of the fun No?

A work in progress. We are nearly there.

Once you have completed all the chains, let the glue dry awhile. It doesn't take long about 10-15mins. It is time to choose some pretty ribbon or twine whatever it is you are going to use to put up your lovely chain. This one is Boo's she chose some pretty butterfly ribbon. Don't tie it right up to the chain, just leave a nice biggish hoop I just knotted mine like in the above picture. But really it is up to you if you want a pretty bow to finish it off.

Stick some nails or pins into the wall. Stand back and admire! As you can see Lala has hers above her bed. And it does look really pretty, colourful and fun.

I hope that all makes sense, and that you all have much fun making your chains.

MBB x

Still In The Kitchen............................................

2011-12-01T14:10:00.002Z

Yes still seeking refuge in my kitchen this week. Although I have sneaked out on occasion and went to Bath for some Christmas shopping last Saturday. It was a lovely day out but very manic, a little too busy for me at times. Still after me getting annoyed at DBB indecision on what cafe should we go to later on in the afternoon, we actually ended up in this funny little bar. With a concrete ceiling with silver pipes adorning it the rest of the place was a funny mix of shabby chic meets gypsy waggon! It actually was a cool little bar. Anyway after making me traipse round for ages finding somewhere for a quick cup of tea, DBB paid the price and I had a few rum and cokes instead. Well when the cats are away from the little mice........ lol.

Of course there has been lots of excitement today with it being the 1st of December and the opening of the advent calender. Boo made me laugh though when she suggested that she might just open door number 5 as it was her turn to go first. That's my girl don't follow the rules. Even though I did suggest that it would be best to start at number 1.

So with that slightly Christmassy theme in mind I come to one of the reasons I have been busy in the kitchen. I have been making chili jam. Although there actually is no pectin in this receipe so it doesn't actually set like a fruit jam. More like a very thick sticky sauce. I came across it last Christmas at a friends house. I loved it so much and asked her for the receipe and she duly send me this link. So if you would like to make it and like something with a bit of a kick with meats and cheeses give it a go!

I would say though unless you have maybe a proper jam pan it does take longer than the 50mins! In my case it was more like 2 - 2.5 hrs so make sure you have lots of time if you decide to make this. It is lovely though. Although I wonder if I was to make it again I might not use 10 red chillies and I de -seeded mine. So be warned it really does have quite the kick!

On my last post some of you seemed interested in the pecan and maple syrup cookies I was making. It's actually a receipe I found on Attic 24. If you click on the link it should take you to the recipe straight away. All I do different is put in some crushed pecan nuts and some maple syrup instead of the honey.When I first tried this recipe I didn't have any honey in at the time but had maple syrup which was nice but then the next time I thought mmm Pecan would be lovely in this too! And now they are a bit of a firm favourite here at the Boo Bear Shed.

Thanks for all the lovely comments on my last post too. Its funny how music from our past can take us right back. Hope everyone's Christmas preparations are going well and hopefully I might be back to post some festive pictures. Take care everyone!

MBB x

Cigarettes and Alcohol..................

2011-11-22T17:13:00.007Z

Of spit n dust saloons, duke boxes and let the good times roll

as many times a week we could fit in.

Lipstick and knee high boots,

pour me another drink. Flirt with the barman for a cheeky lock in -

even better if you become his squeeze for a time.

A time of Oasis and Blur, The common people - Pulp, Geek chic if you please.

Lost loves (or lust) New ones round the corner.

shared houses and small bedsits living the student life even though I worked.

Independence with bells on.

Leather jackets and perfume, hanging out with my cousin the cheeky minx.

Tipping the lads a wink at the end of the night on the way home,

arm in arm giggling to each other

giddy on booze, youth and possibilities.

Its all a laugh, its always Saturday night even on a Wednesday.

Pass us another hooch -
and we will run through the dusty summer streets in the rain
laughing at our own joke hand in hand.

Cigarettes and Alcohol indeed..........

Listening to my past blasting out of my stereo

baking, cooking and dreaming.

A moment this afternoon which I saw the contrasts

of the past that I have already lived

and the present in which I now inhabit and

a future which I will one day inherit.

Pinny's, wooden spoons, mixing bowls and an Oasis soundtrack. Not bad for Tuesday afternoon.

Jammy fairy cakes, Homemade soups, oaty pecan and maple syrup cookies for the hoards. Sprinkling the food with my secret smiles and happy memories.

Not been feeling the love for blogging of late. But had to share my flights of fancy with you today.

MBB x

Set The Night Alight.............

2011-11-08T14:46:00.002Z

A really strange shape this firework! Like a little gnome!

fireworks in their boxes look like really exciting sugar loaded sweets!I always rather think.

The night sky was ablaze on Saturday in our little part of the world. Rockets shooting and whizzing into the atmosphere, exploding into bright colours like small stars and suns. Other worldly planets being born in November's black velvet sky. Dry thankfully as the forecast said bonfire night this year was to be a rather more wetter affair, but it did get quite chilly towards the end of the night. After a good hours worth of oohing and ahhing at the heavens we stopped for some warming food.

A rather adventurous menu of two soups ( roasted tomato and basil and spicy red pepper and lentil) Served in plastic cups for ease of serving, with a selection of plain and garlic breads. Then a tasty mash of carrot,swede, potato and greens, with a generous dollop of cream cheese and cheddar on top with either sausages (what is bonfire night without the bangers?) or Steak and ale pie.(gravy optional). Followed by berry, apple and caramel squares with a choice of Greek yogurt or clotted cream. Or a rather scrumptious berry cheese cake very kindly made by Mr Lovely Friend! Oh and of course there was the offer of some mulled wine simmering on the stove too.

Phew it sounds a lot but there was a larger gathering from last year. Some of my family came and our neighbours enjoyed a bit of food a little look at the exploding pretties from the safety of their garden. I have to say I did prepare as much as I could and did the soups earlier in the week and froze them until Saturday. And I prepared the steak and ale of said pie on Friday afternoon. And cheated with already brought pastry lol. That is the key I have found preparing as much as possible before a party so you don't have to be too much bound to the kitchen. Although it was the mashes turn to take ages to brown in the oven making proceedings a little later than planned. It's always the way I am afraid when I am in the kitchen, no matter how prepared I think I am!

Then it was back out into the cold night air thick with sulphur and anticipation for DBB to finish off his firework extravaganza. Which he did with more of a oh! ahhh, oh pretty and my ears hurt! (Boo of course!) symphony.

A good night was had by all. And dare I say it? Here's to next year.

MBB x

All Hallows Eve......................

2011-10-31T10:38:00.000Z

So It's here Halloween! Hope everyone that celebrates it has a good time trick or treating or making their own traditions at home. Here at the Boo Bear Shed we have decorated and did some pumpkin carving - well DBB did the actual carving. I think he did a fantastic job!

I thought I would share with you today some spooky tales. Now they are all true they all happened to me. I am open minded about such things but I do believe that the Boo Bear Shed does have an extra soul that lives with us. Of course there is always reasonable doubt. Logical explanations etc. But as I have experienced them I am not so quick to conclude to such everyday answers. Make your own minds up.

Tap on the shoulder.......

One of the things I loved back in the early days of our habitation here in the Boo Bear shed was that I would sometimes be home before DBB. I never felt particularly bothered being here on my own. It was our home and it was nice to make the house light and cosy for when he got home. So on this one particular Friday night DBB rang to say he would be home later, He had to work late.It was not a problem. Happily pottering about the place I found one of our then puss cats climbing up the voile in the front room. Being a bit batty I was mock scolding him on the stairs with his sister looking on. So involved was I in the mock scolding I was a little irritated if anything when there was a tap upon my shoulder......

So much so I turned around about to have a go, only to realise that I was the only person with hands that could go a tapping upon shoulders there. Or was I?........................

Knock Once If You Are Here.............

Back last August we went for our yearly hols down in Cornwall. Of course we had a fab time. We arrived home feeling happy, but disorganised, the usual utter chaos that is arriving home after any time away. Or is that just us? Anyway upon checking our phone for any messages left in our absence we were a little vexed to find messages but with no one there. Upon further investigation we discovered the calls were all from our OWN house from our OWN number with a few minutes between several times. It was like the phone was calling itself. We also discovered that our sky box had gone bananas whilst away and recorded all sorts of odd things. Nothing sinister but things we would never watch or want to in a million years. Of course we just put it down to technical gremlins thought it a bit odd nothing more.

Our neighbours always kindly keep an eye on the place for us whilst away.In conversation we told them about our technical oddities. Now the guy that lives next door to us is a very practical black and white sort of fellow. Certainly not one to be flowery or ponderous about spooky matters at all. But upon hearing our little tale he shook his head. And told us of a few nights previous of a strange matter. Funnily the same day as the technical doolallies. DBB and him are avid gamers and often go on line together to play their game of choice on a regular basis. Usually one of them taps upon the wall between livingrooms. (The beauty of living in terraced housing I guess). On this particular Wednesday about the same time as DBB would knock on the wall my neighbours heard a tap exactly as DBB would do. Of course it couldn't of been him as he was away with me at the time. They actually went out the back and front of our houses to check that nothing or no-one that shouldn't be was there. Of course there was nothing as it should of been just a dark and empty house....................

Someone To Watch Over Me?.............

Just after Christmas last year that funny time between Sparkly Christmas fun and sentimental New Year, I found myself drawn to our sunny bedroom. Quite often in our house on slow days our living room becomes a bit of a bat cave whilst DBB and the girls chill watching a movie or playing games.With curtains closed and not many lamps on. Its not very conducive to being able to crochet for me though. So I often do have a little chill and a bit of crochet time in our bedroom. It was very cold outside that day, but with sun beaming down onto the bed it was surprisingly warm. So Warm in fact that I fell asleep. All tangled up in colourful yarn my new crochet book that I was working from somehow tucked under me and my crochet bag not far from my side.

I remember quite well the dream I had. I was walking down the side road with my mum just outside their house. My mum and dad's house back on to the secondary school that I attended as a teen. In this dream we were going to a fair or indoor fete being held there. It didn't really look like our main school hall though more like the drama building. We were walking around looking at some really lovely crafty things. I must of been coming to from my slumber as I became aware of a presence entering our bedroom. I admit I thought bet its one of the girls and didn't really want awake at that point. Bit naughty maybe. I heard or rather sensed this presence coming all the way round to my side of the bed. I did not feel scared as I probably still thought it was one of the girls. Anyway this presence came right up to my face I actually felt something brush passed my eyelash. I don't know why I didn't open my eyes at this point but do remember feeling very light headed almost dizzy. I felt a sinking sensation as if I was sinking into the bed. It was all very strange. Then just like that I opened my eyes feeling a little confused.

The first thing I noticed was that the crochet book that I know I hadn't put away was in my bag by my side. Going downstairs I asked DBB whether one of the girls had come to visit me that afternoon. He said he didn't think so as they were with him most of the time. I even asked them if they had. They said no they hadn't.

So here is the thing. Although I am open minded that it still could of been one of my girls I can't help feeling doubtful. Doubtful because my girls are quite young and I can't imagine one of them coming into my room without either one of them talking to me or cuddling me in any way. Its just the way they are. Its pretty much what they do. So I am left with the question. Was there or is there someone watching over me?

So three tales, that could be quite logical or maybe something else.............
I have to admit I have always hated our narrow passage way at night. No reason why I should be I just get really jittery and usually rush up the stairs to get away from there....................

Of course when we have had animals visiting they have had reactions to certain areas of the house. A dog that hated the kitchen and howled when you left him in it on his own. He was fine on his own anywhere else.......

To one of our cats raising his hackles and hissing at absolutely nothing..........

We also have had the footsteps/creaking that occurs about 9pm pretty much on the dot in our bedroom on a nightly basis. Although I have to say we have not noticed it for a little while. Of a night spent having a lovely dinner DBB and I. At the end of the evening getting ready to go to bed I came out of our downstairs bathroom chatting to DBB in the dinning room as I could see his shadow moving across the lamp lit walls........ Apart from the fact he had popped up stairs and wasn't there at all..................

There was also one time when Boo Bear was younger, I had just got her out of the bath and took her into the dinning room to dry and dress her ready for bed. We used to have a nursing chair in our dinning room brought new from when La la was born. Boo was cuddling me and said there is a lady over there in that chair. She was quite convinced. Of course we saw no one there....................

When a friend house sat for us one time she was convinced she could hear violin music playing most of the night...........

Even our neighbour next door when we have talked about spooky occurrences says she has seen a really tall silhouette against our kitchen blind. Too tall for it to be me she says, and although it could be DBB as he is 6ft 4inch tall, she says this has happened when he is online game playing with her other half.................
Odd? Creepy? or just simple everyday explanations? I don't know. What has happened in our house is usually subtle. Not over the top spooky like in a film. More like a subtle something that might catch your eye and its gone. I guess you can never truly know whether you are completely alone....................

Sleep well my friends. I only hope I can now remembering all these spooky happenings.

MBB x

The Enchanted Forest......................

2011-10-28T10:18:00.000+01:00

A wonderful recharging of the batteries. A half term with my little scamps. Filled with smiles,fun, playing and creating. And of course a bit of arguing and whinging. Well they wouldn't be normal kids without a bit of that would they.

We did a little baking last Friday which they really enjoyed. The dinning room did look a treat of small sprinkles everywhere. Last Saturday we went for a very long walk in Sevenake Forest just outside of Marlborough. Boo had a strop towards the end. Her legs were bored apparently. Hope you enjoyed the photo's above of our walk. No photo's of bored legs though. Luckily. So this week has brought two wonderful visits with Mrs & Miss Lovely Friends. Yesterday we were invited to theirs for Halloween tea and fun. Started to teach Lala how to knit. We have got as far as about two rows. Not been touched since. Ah well she might get the urge again soon. We also have had fun putting out Halloween decorations too. We don't have many but its fun none the less. Of cleaning out rabbits and giving them cuddles. This weekend beckons and parties are the main event for Lala such a little social butterfly. Hopefully there will be time for a little pumpkin carving too.

Happy times.........................

MBB x

New Traditions............................

2011-10-17T13:58:00.003+01:00

As much as I loved the baby stage of my life with my Boo Bears, it is now that the family fun really begins. New traditions are forming of their own making it appears. We were reminded of the big mop's existence in a near by market town Marlborough last year. Before the appearance of the girls in my life I was aware of this fair held yearly. But never felt much compunction to go. But after last year the little Boo's loved it so much it now appears to be a family tradition. I rather like the idea, that along with woodsmoke, chilly air, crunchy taffeta and russet leaves, pumpkins, apples and cinnamon and homemade soup we now have this fair to put on our seasonal calender. It helps too that I just love this little market town. Fairs come and go all the time in our town and I do not feel the urge to run off and soak up even a smidgen of all that they have to offer. This particular one does not offer anything different but for me its the atmosphere there, the fact it's somewhere that I love visiting anyway and at my favourite time of the year. Crazy but true.

We always like to go early evening just as the autumn sky is thinking about darkening so that all those crazy colourful lights glow evermore brightly in the dusky sky. A shining beacon to all that is loud, fast and tacky. The smell I have to say can be almost overwhelming at times of fried onion from the food stands I could do without fast food wafting about my nose. But do love the smell of the candy floss and seeing the toffee apples. The brightly lit sweetie stores. I guess in only my head do the latter have a place there. It seems more traditional to me. DBB and the girls seem to like to have a hot doughnut or two as well another little tradition has formed so it seems.

It becomes apparent as we start wandering that the rides and concession stands are in much the same places as last year. We start at the quieter end with the girls hopping about in great anticipation of winning cheap wont last five minutes toys and thrill rides to suit their young ages. And my cautionary heart too! Fun times and hopefully something that will stick in their memories when grown up.

After winning at hook a duck and picking out their plastic fantastic loot a little ride on the small wheel for our two followed by a few goes whizzing down the helter skelter. At the halfway point between the calm and frenetic are the dodgems! I did not go on them this year and won't after embarrassing myself last year. But one of my brothers accompanied us this year so with DBB with one little Boo and Uncle with another there was fun, bumping and crashing into each other. I was happy to watch listening to the mad mix of music from various rides. The loudest one to me was souped up 50's songs. Which added a rather nostalgic twist.

After the dodgems we entered the more grown up rides zone complete with thicker crowds, atmospheric smoke and more banging beats than at a DJ mash up, designed to excite and entice the more wilder side of you. To put yourself at mercy of spinning wheels and crunching gears metal and flesh coming as one as you spin faster and scream harder and louder than you could ever imagine. One ride in particular which my brother and DH went on - lets call it the wheel of death, where you stood hanging onto rails pinned there by sheer G force a whizzing kaleidoscope of humanity all shook up on a big wheel and adrenaline. It makes your pulse race and mind a whirr and I guess that is the attraction of it all. Base gratifying fun. No need to think - just feel. For me though I am a big wuss and like to be in charge of my own gravity and stood watching with the girls outside a pretty kitchen shop. I guess that is much more my kind of thrill!

With the guys firmly back on terra-firma we traversed the rest of the fair, to slowly turn back to the slightly more sedate end for more shooting at things, hooking and winning of dodgy toys. More small wheeled and tea cup rides and helter skeltering. Until we had exhausted all options and children. We made our way back to the car park. Driving out of Marlborough we saw the most magnificent moon. Large even though it was a three quarter moon. An almost yellow cast to it. And after finding it again as it slowly drifted over the nearby inky black fields. I almost fancied that I could see its face. Yes I definitely did see the man in the moon on our road to home.

MBB x

Saturday Morning.............................................

2011-10-11T13:50:00.002+01:00

Here at the Boo Bear Shed, saw us being rather industrious for a change. No dallying with laptops,books, games consoles or the t.v. Not even a linger by the crochet bag either. Nope it was a morning of action.

We needed to tidy up the garden wind everything down for the coming winter. Much like after a great party the clear up has to commence. The plastic bunting that gaily flapped about all summer long had that jaded party girl look about it. Too much fun and frivolity takes its toll and makes one faded and rough round the edges. ( I know how it felt ;0) ) So we bid the bunting good bye. Outside lights were packed up and put away as we have long since learnt about leaving them out to the winter elements. I dread to think how much money we have wasted by not looking after them in the past. Well no more they are back in boxes and put away for next year. All bar some fairy lights. Not sure why we missed those, but I do suppose it is nice to have some twinkly magic in the garden through the darker months.

The raised beds were tidied up too, local cats just seem to love our garden for a public loo so we put down some netting on them once cleared of weeds. It seems the most effective way of keeping them off. They don't appear to even go near them. Pots were tidied up or emptied and put away too. Those that were remaining such as my roses were pruned and put in our side return under the lean to we have. The grass was then mowed probably for the last time too.

To be honest the garden now looks very sparse. Very tidy just not very exciting at all. We have some parsnips to start using which we did for Sunday's dinner. They were really yum. Look at the size of some of them! DBB is holding them up I think he was rather pleased with how they have turned out. We have at long last planted our spring bulbs! (I finally did it Lisa!) Hooray. Although never having used bulbs before can only pray that we get the spring colour that we hope for! Our last fantail fish died a few months ago I had the small fish tank sat around doing nothing. Not anymore hopefully it will look really pretty come the spring with lots of small daffs and bluebells adorning the top of it.

Two little girls decided that they were really cold and had to dress up warmly, it did look like we had a little Eskimo twirling about the place at one point. Modeling their crocheted hair bands that I made for them way back in the summer. They got a bit of an outing as we decided woolly heads are not a desirable thing for the warmer days! I really enjoyed making them though. Although Boo's looks rather squished after being shoved under the fluffy hood.

It was a rather happy morning with the girls playing and laughing I did inwardly sigh with contentment and was smiling to myself. Until I realised that the little scamps needed to be indoors up in their respective bedrooms giving them a tidy up. Unfortunately to say the happy banter did indeed turn to tears. But I did stick to my guns. Horrid mummy that I am. With the if you want to go to the fair next Saturday firmly ringing in their ears...............................

As for me and the Mr. Well a nice al-fresco brew and some homemade biccies were in order. Ginger or maple syrup and pecan biscuit anyone?

MBB x

OH! What is that you say? Some Stitchery Pokery?............

2011-10-03T21:15:00.000+01:00

When I fell with a bump into this blogging lark over two and half years ago, never did I consider that my blog name would turn out to be so tricky. Tricky why? You might ask, tricky because any stitchery pokery has not appeared on my little blog for ages. And as you might of guessed that was rather at the time my thinking that this blog was to be about. But of course when you have periods of time when life focuses you on other things you start to wonder whether you have chose the right name.............

But fear not ( if indeed you did fear you might of just went Meh!) Whilst its been a bit quiet on the craft front on here, behind the scenes there has been at least some crocheting! Thank god when choosing my blog name stitchery can at least encompass anything stitch based. Back in the summer holidays I hatched a plan to make my sister a bunny for her birthday. Much like the ones I did for my girls for Easter. This time I used a much thicker wool and Gah! would you believe it I have lost the info on it. It is a chunky DK but cannot remember the make. It is surprising though just how much bigger it made the bunny quite enormous compared to the bunnies I made earlier in the year with this pattern .

I kept with a red, black and white theme the same as the blanket I made for her last Christmas as that is the colour scheme she has in her bedroom. I used a gorgeous cherry fabric that I have had in my stash for ages, it came when I ordered a batch of fabrics from America. And of course the red and white polka dot fabric had to come out and play too! And it just wouldn't of been right if there had been no crocheted flowers either.

Now I have to admit I rather left it all to the last minute to get it finished I started it in plenty of time. When making up the various body parts it came with us on picnics and a camping trip so I could get it done. Not sure what went wrong but there I was the day before we went on holiday frantically trying to finish it! I should of been packing and looking forward to our holiday but nope I was sewing away in frantic state at making a little dress. As my sister was going to be at our parents house when we got back from our holiday so I could see her before her birthday! I really must learn how to plan things a bit better shouldn't I !;0)

Also if I had thought of it I could of saved myself a job of making the shoes separate and just used the black wool for half of the foot. Still at least I know now. Despite my rather lackadaisical ways She was finished in time for me to take her to mum's before our holidays! Phew. And she went down a storm when my sister opened her present she absolutely loves her. She did name her but can't for the life of me remember what it was. Oh look, crochet and a sewing project in one! This blog won't know what hit it!

I do have more crochet and knitting projects on the go at the moment but am rather in between jobs as it were! lol. I have made some hand/arm warmers for Lala and have just started on making Boo's. Also have started a new blanket using mainly my wool stash although did run out of the red I was using for it. All these things are for the cold weather you might of noticed. I also have another reason to wish this heatwave away too.

Catching up with Mrs Lovely Friend on Friday I spied the most gorgeous pair of DM's sitting casually on her floor. I had to exclaim just how gorgeous they were as you do when you spot some loveliness, just floating about before your eyes. Imagine my great delight and graittude when she very kindly gave them to me. ( no she wouldn't hear of taking anything for them, what a gem she is ) She has been having a sort out (nesting kicking in I suspect) and has had these beauties for ages. And has never worn them. So she thought I might like them. Like them? Do I ever! Although I do fondly remember the pair I had when I was about 19. They are too be honest a real bitch to break in but oh once you do they are the best boots you own. I had mine well in to my 20's where they really did just fall apart in the end through constant use. I have to say I just loved the grunge look way back when. A long flowing maxi skirt DM's Midi top and bikers jacket. And some round sunnies for the summer of course! Happy days.

As you can see someone else thought they looked pretty darn good too.

She hung around and couldn't resist any longer.

She just had to try them on!

Oops looks like Deena really had to have a closer inspection! Take a bow little Miss.

Well here's to proper autumnal days yummy boots and fresh chilly bright days. That would bring utter bliss to this winter heart........................................................

MBB x