Baby boom close up

Pitter Patter

Can you hear those tiny feet???  I sure feel like I have today as I've been playing with one of the new KaiserCraft collections called Pitter Patter courtesy of Jones Crafts Nottingham. 

Now, I don't have any children of my own so who was I going to use for my scrap page.. hhmmm I know... my brother!   Quite appropriate really as today would have been his 52nd birthday had he still been here with us.   July 8th 1962 by mum gave birth to her bouncing bundle of joy and no doubt dreamt of what lay ahead in years to come never imagining that one day she would have to say goodbye to him so today I dedicate this page to my big brother Thomas (or Tommy as I preferred to call him in my youthful days).

Not sure of when exactly this picture was taken nor wanting to put the year of his death I decided just to mark it with his month and year of birth as mum will understand what it means. 

This collection contains some gorgeous papers along with the sweetest sentiments and embellishment packs.  Scrap pages are not something I claim to be an expert on but I did have fun putting this one together and then when I had my layout planned it was simply a matter of finding the perfect photo to fit and fit it did.. right through the slot I made on the frame.  Once everything was layered in place it was simply a matter of adhering the scrolls, buttons & flowers to finish the whole thing off.

If any retailer out there is interested in stocking this range please feel free to contact Jones Crafts of Nottingham and ask for further details. 

Now all I have to do is find the perfect frame to mount this in and gift it to my mum as I know she'll give it pride of place in the house.   Her blue eyed boy as we often used to joke. 

Happy birthday Tommy, love & miss you every day. 

Right folks it's time for bed as I'm working in the morning and the old back just isn't doing well at all so need to give it as much rest as possible.  

Happy crafting
Xxx

B is for Baby

Special words on a special day.. 

Where is summer?

Morning all and gosh I can't believe I'm sitting here with a cup of coffee typing this and it's not even 7am yet!  

Been struggling with back problems this week as it froze up on me on Sunday and I literally mean froze to extent I could hard move so between a combination of exercise, massage & a great deal of pain killers it's been slowly loosening even though it's been taking its time about it.   Unfortunately it led to me only having 4 hours sleep if I was lucky on Wednesday night so by the time past night rolled around I think my body was just exhausted and decided to take a break.   Nodded off and on for a few hours last night then seem to have went out cold around midnight and that was me till I awoke at 6.20am this morning.  Still sat on the sofa!!!  Rofl.  Thank goodness I had my feet up on the foot stool. 

Anyways, I've opened the curtains and first thought that came to mind was 'where oh where is summer'.  Nothing but overcast skies & the odd dribble of light rain drops.   Forgive me for thinking this was July.  Lol.  

Right that leads us to this mornings cards which is another combination of Graphic 45 paper & Little Birdie flowers along side some Creative Expressions & Hobby House embellishments.   Gosh I'm sure glad this one has a little colour to it as alongside my coffee those have been the only two things that have added light to my morning so far.  Lol. 

Oh well I guess it's time to sign off and make myself another wee cuppa and eat a couple of pain killers before getting ready for work so will bid you a fond farewell till later & happy crafting. 

Xxx

Blooming Days

Morning all and here's hoping that this weather is here to stay for a while.  Isn't it wonderful!

Monday was very much filled with chores like catching up on the housework,  washing etc then it was time to cut the grass and trim back the plants and bushes in the front garden and along the side boundary fence whilst the evening was spent sorting through paperwork.

Tuesday I was at home for a change as boss lady called and asked if i could work Friday instead so what a great excuse to spend more time in the garden topping up on vitamin D lol.   Morning began with the usual daily tidy & clean up,  more washing etc.. you know what I mean the mundane tasks that us women have to do every day in life.  Followed by paying all the monthly bills and sorting all my car documents.   By that stage I was questioning where the time had gone!  Next up it was time to make the neighbours think I was nuts..  I had road kill on my car from all the midges so my new wee car being only 5 days old was in need of a wash so there I was hosing, rubbing & drying my baby lol.   Mum appeared next with a lovely cooked chicken and salad accompaniments so we plated up and hit the back garden for some chit chat over lunch before tackling some pruning which lasted through till about 6.30pm by which time hubby was home and after him twisting my arm up my back I agreed to sit & enjoy the evening sun with him whilst catching up on his day.   Lol.   Finally my night drew to a close constructing a few cards and typing this post so all in all its been a darn good day.  

Today's card incorporates some Graphic 45 paper along with Little Birdie flowers & embellishments.   Very soft & muted compared to my usual.

Anyways, bed is calling so will wish you all well for the day ahead and hope you get to enjoy some creative crafting. 

Xxx

The new Mr & Mrs MacKay

What a marvellous day we had at Mar Hall on Saturday for James & Kirsteen's wedding.   Upon arrival guests were greeted with a glass of champagne from very friendly, welcoming staff.  Next we were led to the ceremonial suite with its high architectural ceilings and amazing views through almost full length windows.  My favourite part of the day came next.. The look on the grooms face when he saw his radiant Bride.   Boy did his eyes light up and the love flowed from them.   Next up its picture time and during all of this guests were once again treated to champagne, accompanied by oysters, caviar, red onion bread & chicken liver pate many of which were enjoyed within the gardens as it was a pleasant weather day most of the time.  Finally we made our way to the marquee for the reception whilst the Bride & Groom were piped over from the main house by the Grooms cousin who plays with one of Scotland's top pipe bands.   Now that's what you call a family affair!   Speeches were fantastic and dinner was served before we headed in to an evening full of fun & laughter.   Many a conversation I will giggle about for a while to come.   Music was provided by a string quartet during the day and a jazz band for the first half of the reception and after the buffet was served it was followed through with a kaleigh.   

Thank you James & Kirsteen for a truly memorable day and I wish them both health & happiness for their future lives together.   I'm sure you'll agree they truly are a most radiant looking couple. 

Xxx

Radiant Bride & Bridesmaids

Brides Mum & Gran

Scott, Jennifer & Donald

Grooms cousin, sister & father

Stacey, Joyce & John

Hubby looking a bit too at home

Plenty of Butler service on hand

Awaiting the newly weds arrival

View from the reception marquee

Father Son chat

Bride & Grooms first dance

Quick week

Oh boy I can't believe it's been almost a week since my last post.  Where does the time go? 

So what have I been up to.. hmm. .  Mum was away for a wee overnight so I was staying at hers last Friday & Saturday.   That was rather funny as although I often awake to a cat lying on my chest I'm not so used to opening my eyes and seeing a dogs head next to mine on the pillow and that's exactly what happened lol.  Sunday was a day of household chores so no excitement there!  Monday I had mum over for lunch during which the phone call came in that I've been waiting for.   Arrangements being made for my car to be collected.. Yay.    So there car is going on Friday which means it had to he valeted, washing, polished etc so there was me & mum out doing our cleaning chores and last night was spent trying to get insurance quotes to no avail as the car will not be registered until I collect it on Friday so have stayed with my current provider to make life easy.   Today was a work day and boy was it busy..  One member of staff off & another had to take off at lunchtime with toothache leaving only two of us on the shop floor.   Lots of customers, phones ringing & deliveries galore guarantees a non stop day at the end of which you're glad to take your shoes off lol.  After closing I had to head straight to the garage to sign my finance agreement etc and finally got home around 8pm.   In door, coffee made and straight on phone to insurance company..  finally after a lengthy call, again due to car not yet being registered, insurance sorted.  Result!   Then my nightly call to mum & finally dinner around 9.30pm.   Dishes done, kitchen cleaned, animals tended, work stuff organised and pj's on.. aahhhh that's better.  

Now on to the card which is a sample for the shop.   Here I've combined Graphic 45 papers with some Little Birdie flowers, chipboard butterfly and sentiment label.  Nice quick make and great for gentlemen who like to garden.  

Well that's it for tonight folks and it's time to chillax for a little before bed and only 3 more sleeps till I get my new car.  Woohoo I'm excited lol.   Toodles for now folks.

Lorraine xxx

Airy Fairy

Not quite sure if I should say good evening or good morning being as it is just after 1.30am lol.  Guess that means it will be a quick post as need to head to bed and get some zzzzz's for work in the morning.  

Had a good wee day at work and spent time sorting and taking pictures of samples both my own and those created by other designers so we can start getting them uploaded to the shops Facebook page.

We are now stocking the gorgeous 'Little Birdie' range and I've got the pleasure of playing with it just now.   Damn I've got a tough job eh!  Lol.

This first one I thought would make a perfect card for a young one.   Chipboard fairy and flowers (some sparkly)..  now how much easier a card can you make?

Bed time now so good night, god bless and hope you have a crafty day ahead.

Xxx

Summer loving

G day all I'm back!!!   Has taken a while for me to get back to crafting and posting but here we go, hopefully the first of many to come.

It's been a busy household taking care of hubby in his recovery period and on the days I've worked poor old mum has been roped in to be his taxi driver.   Glad to say though that he's returned to work now, albeit slightly shortened hours but he's doing good.   He's now able to wash in the shower without assistance and is building himself up day by day.  Only things he really can't do just yet is drive and lift any kind of weight but that will come in time.

Anyway, I had big plans for being a craftaholic whilst we were off work but boy, I underestimated just how much help he would need during those first 10 days so absolutely no crafting was done at all.   Now I've got a mahoosive list of samples that need to be made so I'll be busy for the foreseeable future lol.

What a glorious day it is outdoors so I'm off to finish the housework,  hang the washing up and my craft studio will be relocated to the garden for the rest of the day. 

Today's card is one I made last week but had to wait till the birthday girl received it before I posted a pic.   Background was inked and stamped and flowers, lace etc are all Little Birdie.

Right the sun is calling so toodles for now my lovelies.

Lorraine xxx

Puff and the week has gone!

Well folks it's been a week already since my last post and I can't believe how quickly the time has passed so here's a quick run down on what been happening.

Wednesday - I had a normal work day at Craft World

Thursday - guess what.. another normal day at Craft World lol

Friday - Hubby toddled off to the lawyers with mum to sort out some legal stuff then he had to do some business in Strathaven so I tagged along with him and we managed to grab a wee cuppa and something to eat before having a quick walk around the village.  It was teatime before we got home but as I ended up chatting with my neighbours that I've hardly seen for months he headed off to do the weekly shop.  Nice es and by me lol.

Saturday - pulled a wee Saturday shift in craft world so one of the other girls could have the day off.

Sunday - well it was pre op day for hubby and I was trying to keep his mind occupied so I took him car shopping for me..  my car is 3 years old at the end of the month so it's time to make a decision on whether to MOT it or replace it.   After that we took off to the shops and I came back with 2 new pairs of shoes, 2 new tops and some underwear.  Hubby got 2 new pairs of trackies and 2 new tshirts.   Think it was about 7pm before we finally ventured home.

Monday - well today was hubby's operation day.  He toddled off to work bright and early whilst I set about cleaning & disinfecting the house.  Although he promised to be home for 11.30 it was going on noon before he showed face and after a quick check to make sure we had everything we then set off for Ross Hall hospital as check in was at 1pm.   What a warm welcome and having his own private room complete with satellite TV certainly made things a bit more homely.  After all his pre op checks etc he was finally taken to theatre at 3.30pm.   To keep occupied I pop down to the work as it's only a 5 minute drive away and had a wee cuppa and chat with the girls before returning to the hospital at 5 pm just in nice time for him being brought back to his room.   Obviously the next few hours were full of checks etc and he was finally discharged around 9.30pm.   Home for 10 pm, got him in to bed around 11.30 and I headed off around midnight.   Boy it had felt like a really long day! 

Tuesday - poor hubby didn't wake till around 11.30 am then we had to begin the task of getting him washed and dressed, made comfortable etc and everything within his reach where possible.   I was certainly kept active as he was in rather a lot of pain so I was back and forth helping him to move and getting him whatever he needed.  

Wednesday - Another day of playing nurse.  Normal routine of helping him when needed and I also managed to control my nausea so I could change his dressing.   Didn't manage to get creative as I hoped to do but I did manage to get a little email communication done regarding an upcoming demo in July.   Still have another one to get organised as well so hopefully that will be done within the next few days also. 

Well... That's been my week.  Sadly I have no crafty pics to share so thought I'd let you see what the view was like from Rob's hospital room.  Isn't that just beautiful! 

Right folks it's almost 2 am and I need to head to bed so I have energy in the morning so nighty night all and I'll try to get creative tomorrow.  

Hugs
Lorraine xxx

Shadow Box

Evening all.   Well you got a sneaky peek last night so here's the finished project in its entirety.    Sure hope you like it..  I know some who've already seen it do lol. 

Anyway products used are as follows

Candy Box Crafts 8x8 shadow box kit
Graphic 45 papers
Acrylic paints
Grunge Paste
Stencil
Idea-ology bits & pieces
Glitter
Glass vials
Distress re-inker mixed with water to create a liquid potion
Paper flowers

Think I'm well and truly addicted to all things MDF made by Candy Box Crafts and Jones Crafts Nottingham have created a paper fiend lol. 

Now my next big decision is what's my next crafting project..  hmm I think it includes Graphic 45 again combined with Marion Smith.   Sounds good enough to me and you'll be able to make your own judgement soon.  Lol. 

Happy crafting all
Lorraine xxx

Shady days

Evening all..  A quick post again as I'm not usually one for long stories when I'm having to type..  when it's face to face that's a different story as I could talk for Britain  rofl. 

Had a fabulous day yesterday at the Sincerely Yours show in Edinburgh and even managed to have a few wee chats about some demo days which is always good and a quick chat with some lovely crafters I know.   Needless to say they were just quick chats as you never get time for anything more at these shows.

Today's been a wasted day but I won't bore you with the specifics as don't want you falling asleep whilst you read  lol.  Anyway, here's a wee sneaky peek at part of a project I've been working on.   Just got some finishing touches to add to it which will hopefully be done tonight then I can share it with you all tomorrow. 

Well I'm off again.   Time to sort the hubby's hair then give my wee mum her night time call.   Till tomorrow..  Toodles! 

Xxx

More Candy

Well its been a few days and I've only got one project to share so far..  not very good is it but I've been a busy wee bee personally so it's kept me from my crafting. 

Mums been having a down in the dumps week,  between different commitments I've not seen too much of the old hubster but on a good note the ironing pile is non existent lol. 

Bank holiday weekend has just about arrived and it's gonna be a fun one.   Tomorrow will be about the boring chores to get them out the way,  hubby working Saturday so I'll get to have a play in the craft room hopefully unless something pops up,  Sunday I'm working at the Sincerely Yours  show in Edinburgh then Monday I may manage a wee bit of chill time with the old yin as he's off work.   Then..  done a shift swap next week so I'm off Tuesday too.  Gonna be a quick week, work Wed & Thurs,  off Friday,  work Saturday and then I'm on holiday for a week to look after poor hubby who's going in for an operation.   Bet he milks this no end  lol. 

Anyway, on to my wee project.   I took a Candy Box Crafts 'mini candy box', painted and covered it in G45 papers then added some bits & bobs.  The wheels are bobbins, metal cogs and a key then a mini vial with some glitter enclosed were attached to the outside.  In one end I've put some twine & wooden buttons then in the other end I've filled more of the vials with glitter to represent precious metals having been mined from the earth.   You see I wanted something different from my little box and I had a vision of one of those old carts that's went down the mines, you know the ones they filled with coal etc to bring it back to ground level.   I may even need to roll some wonky shaped pieces of clay to create the coal  lol.  

Well I'm sure you've had enough of my garbling for now so will bid you all farewell for the night and head off to my crafty stash.   I feel the need to get creative!  

Toodles for now
Lorraine xxx

Sea life

Just a quick post this afternoon as my head is thumping because of hayfever and staring at this screen doesn't help. 

Anyhow, I had little time to myself last night so decided to paint this wee seahorse ceramic that I bought months ago.   It's been a while since I've tackled any ceramics so felt a little rusty in the old brush techniques lol.

Sea horses are one of my most favourite sea creatures..  I think they have somewhat of a mythical appearance, don't you!  

So I've had a lazy start to the day, been to see about a new car and now vegging on sofa waiting for pain to disperse so I can cut the grass in the back garden.   Not a job I'm looking forward to whilst feeling like this but no option really as rain forecast for the rest of this week.  

Happy crafting all
Lorraine xxx

Chests away

Afternoon all after a lazy start to the day..  been in my pj's for the last 3 hours lol. 

Nice wee day off work so intend on getting some gardening done as the grass has fair sprouted since its last cutting.  Wish my hair grew as quick!    Hubby is off to an appointment just now so I'm catching up on this week's soaps before I start.  Eastenders done and one more episode of Corrie to go.   Few calls and emails to deal with this afternoon too relating to work so fingers crossed the diary will have another few days marked off shortly. 

In the meantime I thought I'd share another creation, this time around a cute storage chest of drawers.  Love the top of this where you can display a variety of those nic naks that we all have lying around.   When it came to decorating it there really was only one choice of papers. .  Graphic 45 Botanical Tea.    Aren't these just the prettiest papers and they so remind me of a quaint English country garden where I can visualise a wrought iron table and chairs where's there's a beautiful China tea service complete with cucumber sandwiches, freshly baked scones, clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam.   You catch my drift? 

Sadly I'm at home so think it's time for a coffee instead before I start the housework & gardening.  Lol 

Hope everyone has a fun weekend ahead!

Happy crafting
Lorraine xxx

Bits and bobbins

G 'day all.   Today I wanted to share this fab Candy Box Crafts ink storage unit.  They come in 2 sizes, one stores 32 inks whilst this one holds 40.  The more the merrier as the saying goes lol. 

Sadly the pictures do not pay it justice as it is a fab construction of high quality MDF which fits together perfect.  I chose to cover it in Graphic 45 papers and added a few bits and bobs which you'd be likely to have lying around your craft room.  It's currently on display in the shop but I may have to glue it down as the boss is desperate to pinch it for herself lol. 

For any retailers out there, you can contact Jones Crafts in Nottingham if you require to place a trade order for either the MDF kits or G45 papers. 

Well it's almost time for bed so gonna bid you all farewell till tomorrow.

Happy crafting
Lorraine xxx

Labelled inks

Ink storage unit

Trug time

Afternoon all.  What a fabulous weekend we had at the Craft World Extravaganza.  Lots of customers old & new and what amazing feedback we got from them all.   Thanks to everyone who kept us demonstrators busy, without you these events would not be possible.  

So its time for another sample to be revealed and here it is..  A Candy Box Crafts Trug combined with those amazing Botanical Tea papers from Graphic 45.  The hardware is by Hobby House Crafts.  Hope you like it! 

Anyway, I'm off to get organised around the house and sort some stuff for hubby's birthday tomorrow as well as visit the cemetery as it was Dad's anniversary yesterday and I didn't get to visit..  17 years since I last had a gooshy cuddle from him and I miss him every day. 

Toodles for now
Lorraine xxx

Botanical Tea Time

Evening all..  quick post tonight after a very busy fantastic demo day at Craft World.

Thought I best not delay in longer and get a picture up of one of the Candy Box Crafts samples.   This is a fabulous MDF apron which I have painted and crackled before cutting out and layering on some of the gorgeous Graphic45 Botanical Tea papers.  Don't you just love the little pocket on the front too that you could use for storing recipes or you could even use it as a mail box for the daily mail.  

We had a fandabbydosey day with customers galore, some of whom are returning tomorrow again for more  lol.   We've worked non stop but the feedback makes it all worth it. 

Anyway I'm off to chill and ready myself for tomorrow.  Catch you all again laters.  

Happy crafting
Lorraine xxx

A little haberdashery

Jodie Johnstone will no doubt get the first of the crowds tomorrow as the 1st demo day begins at Craft World but hopefully they'll be able to drag themselves away to visit the rest of us lol. 

Anyway it's 1 am and I'm heading to bed as a long busy day lies ahead but wanted to share one last sneaky peek with you before the big event begins.

The Boss sent us all a text tonight to say the shop is ready and set to go in the morning so it's now down to us demonstrators to please the crowds. 

Thankfully that means I'll be able to share some proper pics with you soon.  

Had my bloods done this morning to check my thyroid, glucose, full blood count and a few other things I can't remember..  nice way to start the day eh..  They were fasting bloods and my appointment wasn't till 11.40! So lay in bed to avoid the temptation to eat or drink coffee.  Felt like I was well and truly drained when I left the surgery so straight back home to be fed and watered  lol.  Fingers crossed they come back ok then I'll need to get full hormone checks done.  

Well it's for bed so will bid you all sweet dreams for now.

Love 'n' hugs
Lorraine xxx

Craft World Extravaganza Weekend

List of demonstrators

Candy Box Crafts

Apologies in advance for the picture quality but have just taken it and it's almost midnight so not exactly good lighting lol. 

Now I may be unable to share pictures of finished projects just yet.. not long to go though!  But thought I could at least share a picture to give you an idea of the kind of bases I'll be working with this coming Sat & Sun at Craft World.

These are gorgeous high quality Candy Box Crafts MDF kits that fit together beautifully.   There are a range of designs available including Candy Boxes (as shown in pic), ink storage units, carousel, handbags, birdcage,  shadow boxes etc..  take it you get the idea  lol. 

Due to their high quality you can throw a whole load of products at them and they'll look fab... paper, stamps, paint, UTEE,  texture paste etc.

10 demonstrators in the same building for 2 whole days.. why 5 years down the line after 10 of these extravaganza weekends do I still get excited???   That's easy to answer..  its the customer reception & feedback that makes it for me.  

Anyway it's been a long busy day,  got home from work around 6.15pm and was back out the door again at 6.50pm for a meeting which I didn't get home from till 10 pm so off to put my pj's on now and chill for a half hour before bed..  another busy day is on the horizon! 

Happy crafting all
Lorraine xxx

Time flies

Well I was surprised to see its been almost a week since my last post. .  Funny how time flies when you're having fun. 

So what have I been up to..  last Tues, Wed & Thurs I was in the shop and boy did we get hammered with deliveries!   You see we've got one of our big weekend craft extravaganzas this coming weekend (10th & 11th) so there will be 10 demonstrators, including myself, beavering away from 10 am - 4 pm both days.  Now can you get an idea of just how much new stock we've had delivered lol.

Friday I done some chores, followed by a little crafting then a hospital appointment and dinner out.   Saturday hubby was at work so got the washing done and made a start on another sample.   Sunday I didn't do much at all as I felt pretty unwell most of the day and had a little temperature followed by one of the crapiest nights sleep..  I woke up every 60-90 minutes the whole night long.  On to today..  well I only went and pulled a damn muscle in my back which is so tickly I can't even cough without being in agony.  Hubby & I also took mum out this afternoon for a wee coffee & bite to eat then when we returned I got stuck in to my sample again..  can't afford to allow the back pain to get in my way so big girl knickers were pulled up nice & tight.  So I sadly can't share the finished project in its entirety just yet but here's a wee sneaky peek for you to peruse.   Can't wait till Saturday when I can start sharing them all with you.

Well I'm back to work in the morning so just about ready to eat a mahoosive pain killer and hit the sack in hope it feels better in the morning.  Hope you've all had a fantabulous weekend.

Love 'n' hugs
Lorraine xxx

Quickie

At work just now so not got time to write a proper post but here's a sneek peak at one of my Jones Crafts DT projects

Pretty as a flower

Another wee sneak peek for you all.   More wood & gorgeous papers made in to pretty little flowers & leaves..  oh yeah, theres a few metal embellishments too!

Anyway, it's my last day off work so trying to combine chores with designing  lol..  house has been cleaned, bed stripped, washed and blowing in the breeze along with the towels, shopping done and I'm now surrounded by some gorgeous Marion Smith papers working on a wee DT project for Jones Crafts.   Now't much else has happened today so that's it.. another Monday soon to be nothing but a memory  lol. 

Well it's time to get back to work..  lots of designing to do over the next few weeks so best get cutting and inking again.  Toodles for now.

Happy crafting
Lorraine xxx

Cracking Up

Afternoon all..  had lots going on this week.   Work, mum, house, nails, broken phone which had to be replaced and working on samples.

I've got a 2 day demo coming up on the 10th & 11th of May at Craft World and ooohhh la la do I love what I have to use..  oh yes I do.. lol.

Sadly can't share full pics at the moment but here's a sneaky little peek in the meantime.  Wood, paint, crackle and gorgeous papers..  what more can a girl want!!! 

Well must dash as it's time to get organised and off to visit mum shortly as she has a 'To Do' list ready for hubby and I to start on..  oh the joys..  lol. 

Toodles for now.
Lorraine xxx

Welcome Mr Sunshine

Well folks its been a period of turmoil but am doing my best to get back on track as quickly as possible.  I returned to work last week which was great as it gave me some normality in my life and I had missed everyone.   Have been helping mum on my days off but also managed some time at home this weekend as she thought I needed a wee rest.  Poor old soul worrying about me!   Anyway, I decided to put the time to good use so the front garden is now under control and I've made a start on the back.   Thought I'd let you see just how sunny its been..  haven't we been lucky!   Oh and look what I found when cutting the grass..  so glad I spotted it and managed to lift it to the safety of a bush.   Couldn't resist taking a photo.  Lol. 

Anyway, I'm off to get on with more work..  lots of creating to do and the clock is ticking!   

Toodles for now
Lorraine xxx

P.s.  thank you for all your messages regarding my step fathers passing.  Xxx

Easter bouquet

Had a lovely surprise visit from my friends two children on Easter Sunday to give me this gorgeous bouquet of flowers.   Is it any wonder they're 2 of my 3 adopted children.  Lol. 

Fish & Chips

OMG..  mum found one of my favourite childhood snacks in the supermarket.   Wicked!  

Flowers flowers everywhere

Well its been a while and tonight its fresh flowers I'm sharing instead of paper ones. 

A week past on Saturday my step dad was admitted to hospital and unfortunately took a turn for the worse two days later and we were called to his bedside.   There we were to stay until the early hours of Thursday morning when his body could fight no more and he sadly passed away.   Although it has been a relatively short period of time the last ten days have felt more like a month.   Tomorrow (Thursday) we will lay his body to rest and say our final goodbyes. 

We have been blessed to be surrounded by such amazing friends who have provided an endless stream of support.   They have made me laugh and been there for me when I cried.  That is the kind of support which is hard to repay but I will always be there for them in years to come through thick and thin.  

Mums house is filled with the most gorgeous bouquets of fresh flowers and this is one that a special friend got just for me to cheer me up as I've spent all my time either at the hospital or at mums so she thought I deserved a little something just for me. 

I'm also fortunate to be blessed with an amazing husband who hasn't once blinked an eye at my absence.   There were days when we didn't see each other at all and most other days we haven't seen each other for more than 30 minutes in the morning before he goes to work as he's been in bed by the time I came home.  

Well folks, that's it I guess and although my brain is ticking away at 100mph I need to try get some rest as we have a long day ahead tomorrow.   Hopefully next week will bring some normality along with it when it arrives.  

Love & hugs
Lorraine. Xxx