turtleknits

2010 Christmas Knits

2011-11-19T10:09:00.003Z

These are some of my Christmas knits from last year. There is no way I'll produce as many as these. As this is also a knitting blog I decided to update my knitting projects. I've not even started any gifts for this Christmas.

Autumn Colours and Reflections

2011-11-06T17:22:00.003Z

Thought I'd share some gorgeous autumn colours with you. I took an early walk this morning by the canal near where I live. It was a cold frosty morning with sun shining and it was truly beautiful. I love this weather with that lovely autumn crispness and freshness.

The mist was over the water as the sun heated up and the colours here of the trees and the barge reminding me of a Constable painting. This indeed is a real likeness of the colours although it's hard to believe.

Futher on the walk the colours and reflections are so different as the sun is directly shining through the trees. It would be lovely is these scenes could just stay as they are, but of course that's not possible and we would be tired of it, and wanting change.

The berries on this tree are so red and they reflect really strongly in the water.

And here we have a really different colourscape.This is only a 5 minute walk away from the last picture and the colours are so different.

Back!!

2011-08-11T19:05:00.003Z

Hello again! I'm back but with some photos this time of flowers in my garden. It's been a very stressful year up to now, and it's been difficult to find time to post on my blog. I realise that I haven't posted since January last. I've been doing lots of knitting. Some good and some not too good at all. However I hope to return to my blog, my knitting and some crafting. Recently I've been having difficulty with my camera, at least I think it's my camera, but I can't justify a new one at the moment and so I was in the garden taking a few macro shots to see if I could improve. Hope to upload some knitting project photos next and keep my blog alive.

There's a hole in my sock!

2011-01-24T16:01:00.002Z

I've just discovered a Very Large Hole in my handknitted sock and I've no yarn to darn!

Oh I'm so sad and I'll have to knit myself some more. They were not on my list at the moment, but I'll have to put them there!

Anyway even if I did have some yarn, I would not be able to darn a hole that size. When you've knitted yourself something it's really annoying when it wears out. You think you 'll have it forever.

Sun Dec 12th 2010 - Avoca Differently!

2010-12-12T10:42:00.005Z

This post has nothing to do with Dec or Christmas. A couple of months ago, we took a drive down Wicklow way, and when you need a cuppa, Avoca mill is a great stop off for coffee and a scone or even yummy cake. But after our sustenance, we took a side road on our way back and came upon the Avoca mines. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon.

Railway bridge.

Remnants of the old copper mines

Chimney through the trees. I would love to explore this area more and I think it's proposed to build walks etc here. It's a really beautiful area and not a place I've found before now.

2010-12-11T10:57:00.002Z

Oh dear I forgot to post yesterday. To make up I'll post twice today. Hope I remember to do it later.

'Take That' appeared on our Late Late Show last evening, and they were so good. I thoroughly enjoyed the show. Robbie appeared first, then Gary and Mark followed by Jason and Howard and when they sang they got an ovation. The audience were enthralled and entertained. Such uplifting stuff for the moment.

Thursday Dec 9th 2010

2010-12-09T21:20:00.002Z

At last the snow seems to be melting. Though really slowly and the footpaths are really slippery. DH took me for a drive today. Drove to Carlow, though the motorway had only 1 lane open each direction. However the scenery in the snow was spectacular. Enjoyed a few hours in Carlow, got another Christmas gift!! Not easy these days, being confined to home with snow.
Should have photos tomorrow.

Dec 8th 2010

2010-12-08T22:34:00.004Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi7ZEeaFDYk

Video for the new single 'Future Kings' by Miracle Bell new out. These are a really great band and worth listening to or seeing live at venues around Ireland. Brighten up your day and have a listen. Other music by them also on 'You tube'.

Not much in the way of knitting today. Had our Christmas meetup for Book Club followed by a lovely lunch. Very enjoyable, despite the icy paths. Our book for this month wasn't great. It was by Antonia Fraser and told of her life with Harold Pinter, in diary form. We were not impressed, indeed I did not finish it.

Tuesday Dec 7th 2010 - Tea for Two

2010-12-07T12:53:00.004Z

Could I invite you to tea??? I don't think so. This is the sight that greeted me once again. Now I know that the table looks like a Christmas cake, but it would be pretty cold for eating! And the tea would melt the look.
I know the sights are very pretty, but we need a thaw soon. Need to shop, need to get out!!! I can't walk out at the moment, so hopefully if it thawed, I could at least drive somewhere near.
Stir crazy ! Even knitting isn't doing it for me

Monday Dec 6th - A beautiful morning

2010-12-06T10:30:00.002Z

Through the icicles a glimpse of trees lit by the morning sun. It's absolutely freezing. However the sun is shining and should be embraced maybe for a little while.

From my front step these trees look really regal and stately, while the sun shines through the ice which Jack Frost left behind.

This is the day before a very austere Budget here in Ireland, so this Monday morning I'm trying to concentrate on all things good and beautiful if possible. In the warmth of my house it's lovely to look outside. I'm having a really delicious Cappuccino which I made and it's real pleasure. No matter what this Budget my bring I'm not going to let it take away my Cappuccino.

These are good times to knit and craft. I can even work through my stash without needing to spend on any more yarn. Then maybe after Christmas I could be persuaded to have a look in the yarn sales.

Sunday Dec 5th 2010

2010-12-05T22:08:00.002Z

Almost forgot to post today.Then I'd miss out on my intention to blog each day till Christmas!
Today I went to the city to try to get some Christmas shopping done. Got a couple of gifts, and so am pleased. It may be next weekend before I get out shopping again. Snow still on the ground and so I'm not willing to risk it on my own. It's really unfortunate to get this very cold spell just before Christmas, I'm sure the shops are truly losing out on business and then when the thaw arrives it'll be so busy!!
On the knitting front, I've a few more FO's which I can't blog about for obvious reasons, neither have I taken photos, but will during the week.
Have another project started tonight and am enjoying it, but lots of sewing up!!!

Saturday Dec 4th 2010 - Recent Knits

2010-12-04T13:52:00.003Z

These are a few of my finished FO's. I mainly knit them in October and November last, but as they were for gifts, I could not post them here. However the recipients I think were happy.

Short scarf and matching fingerless gloves for my sister. Knit in Rowan Cashsoft 4ply. Really soft and quite thick for 4ply yarn.

Socks for my DH's birthday. Knit in Regia sock yarn. This really is great yarn for socks. Hard wearing and remains soft.

This is Annis for myself. I love it and would love to knit another. Knitted in Manon silk. I've enough left to knit another maybe short scarf, but do you think I can find it?? It must have fallen out of my knitting bag, or rolled under a chair or couch. But I can't get down on my knees yet to really look. I'll have to ask someone to look for me!

Snow Again- December 3rd 2010

2010-12-03T19:15:00.003Z

We are still covered in snow. Really Christmassy, except that I can't get out and about to get Christmas gifts. A family party/dinner scheduled for tomorrow evening has had to be cancelled as have other Christmas events. I think perhaps there was a slight thaw today, but what with all the snow that fell here and now the freezing temperatures have set in, I think that roads and paths will still be as treacherous tomorrow.
However someone here will have to get to the shops as we are quickly running out of supplies!!

12 midday outside my front door.

An Astilbe forest! These are the remains of summer's Astilbes which covered in snow look really lovely peeping through the snow. We've had birds almost come in the door in the last few days, but each time I put food out it just gets covered in snow.

There must be at least 12 ins of snow in the garden. Unbelievable.

Off to do some knitting now.

The Christmas and the Icing. December 2nd 2010

2010-12-02T10:33:00.003Z

This is my third crochet sock yarn blanket. I've been working on it for a few months, but managed to finish it last weekend. It's so cosy and I wrap it around myself on the couch these freezing days. It's really cheerful.

I call it the 'icing on the cake' of snow.

This is a Christmas cake snow sculpture. Amazingly it made itself as this is the result of many days' snowfall on the little garden table just outside. Underneath it are lovely little alpine plants, probably half dead by now.

December 1st 2010

2010-12-01T09:57:00.003Z

Just a few weeks now till Christmas and here in Ireland we are almost 'snowed' in and I'm sure this is having a terrible effect on businesses this near to Christmas. Not sure how long this will last but it's very early for us to have this amount of snow.
As it's December and I've not been blogging very much, I'll try to post each day now till the
Big Day! I'm sure I'll find something to say.
These are the pictures from inside my house just 10 mins ago!

Back garden

Bamboos in the garden, sprinkled with snow

Bare snowy trees, really beautiful

Through the front door glass

From my kitchen window. Snow makes everything look clean and beautiful.

Would love to go walking but alas my knee which I injured 6weeks ago, keeps me inside.

Off to finish some knitting and have a coffee.

Music - Miracle Bell

2010-11-18T16:05:00.003Z

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQqWrsUZD_c&feature=related

Have a listen and watch this super video of a brilliant local band. They've just been nominated 'Most original concept' at IMTV awards.
You might just feel like downloading their music. They are really good and especially good live.
December sees them touring with The Coronas on their Irish tour.
Good luck

Knitted Finished Objects

2010-10-26T15:50:00.003Z

As promised, some of my recent FO's. I'm currently laid up with a damaged knee and so have time to upload some pictures, read some blogs and catch up on some blog posting. Short scarf and hand warmers for a gift. Just have to get a brooch fixing for the flower on the scarf so it can be closed over. Yarn used is Rowan Cashsoft 4ply.

Comfy lounge socks for a gift, also knit with Rowan Cashsoft 4ply.

Socks for the man in my life. Knitted two pairs but the other pair is being washed already, although only given as a birthday gift 2 days ago. Appreciation!

And last up my Annis scarf/shawl. I knit this about 6 weeks ago and while it was difficult to get the pattern going, I'm really thrilled with the result. The pattern was from Knitty and the yarn I used is Manos Lace which is really soft and lovely to wear.

Today I knit a couple of hats for the Innocent Big Knit. I have just over 20 little hats knit now and when I'm done I'll take a photo.

I'm still here

2010-10-25T10:45:00.002Z

I just realise that I haven't been blogging lately. I think I've been too lazy to bother, which isn't good enough. I love, love reading other blogs and would like to think that someone out there is reading mine, but if there are no updates, noone will bother. These are some photos of La Defense area of Paris which for some reason I absolutely love. We stayed overnight here before we attended a wedding in Tours and just had a great evening wandering around after all the traffic hassle of our drive. La Grand Arche from Nanterre side

Sunset

Thumbs Up! One of the many sculptures in that are. Really modern, great buildings and really great views.

Some knitting content next posting, hopefully.

Chateau Chambord, Loire Valley, France

2010-07-30T19:52:00.003Z

Chateau Chambord and it's estate were very close to the campsite where we spent our holiday. It's really magnificent and rather huge! The lovely river winds around it and one can take a boat ride on the river.

Some welcome shade from the midday sun

I loved this sculpture at the entrance to the Chateau.

More later.

French Holiday 2010

2010-07-09T08:38:00.002Z

We spent a lovely two weeks in France in May last. Stayed in a chalet at the Chateau des Marais campsite in the Loire valley. We were attending a wedding at the end of our holiday near the city of Tours in mid France, but spent the first 8 days holidaying in the area ourselves. This campsite was situated near Chambord Chateau, which is one of the biggest in the region and absolutely fabulous. Our chalet was lovely and the campsite really great with good facilities. These are just two photos of it.

Home Baking

2010-06-27T16:29:00.004Z

You'd never think I was trying to lose some weight, but recently I've taken to baking again. Too much in fact. However the results have been good and you can never have too much of a good thing! Deprivation doesn't help to lose weight so I'll just try to eat a little less. Anyway there are plenty of us in the house to share so it's not so bad.

I made some wholemeal scones to serve with homemade soup - really good, and then just needed a chocolate fix and made yummy brownies. Recipe for the brownies is one from a Gary Rhodes book and they are really easy and taste lovely.

I had to make soup the last two days. You see the veg on the alltoment are ready each day and so I had to make room in the fridge for the new veg. So I made soup with what was already in the fridge and froze some of it. I made potato and leek soup and some spicy sweet potato and lentil which I served with creme fraiche. Very very good!

Fresh veg

2010-06-27T16:03:00.005Z

This year DH took an allotment and is growing fruit and veg. Plenty of fresh air in a really lovely place and now we have lovely produce to enjoy. Really good new potatoes, plenty of lettuce, some carrots, and the sweetest beets. Also some rhubarb (not in photo).

So this evening we'll have roast potatoes with bacon, new potato salad, and some yummy rhubarb with either ice cream or custard, or maybe both.

Back again! Some recent knits

2010-06-20T20:50:00.004Z

I knit these in April for a friend's first grandchild. I get great pleasure from knitting baby items, very quick results and so dainty. My friend always knit for her own children and so I knew these would be appreciated.

Chicken crochet prize

2010-04-27T15:44:00.002Z

Well I won. R at www.sheknitupthatball.blogspot.com had a comment competition on her blog, after she had visited the US. And I won!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. I'm really really thrilled. Below are pictures of my prizes. First photos below are pictures from the crochet book for patterns. And the yarn!
I love Sugar n Cream cotton. I've been knitting dishcloths and washcloths for about a year now, after I first got some of this cotton in a swap. I never imagined that knitting these would be so addictive and very useful. So I'm very pleased.

Thank you very much R for your great prize. I'm looking forward to trying these patterns.

Sculpture in the Parklands

2010-04-23T17:00:00.002Z

I read an article recently in the Irish Times magazine about this lovely parkland beside Lough Boora. It's just a few kilometers off the main road between Tullamore and Birr in County Offaly.

It's a really lovely place to visit. Wide open parkland on what was a working bog and which now shows great sculptures in a really idyllic setting. We had a lovely walk around the park and the lake. There are also plenty of places to park and picnic. Great day out.

I love knitted dishcloths

2010-04-15T14:22:00.003Z

I can't believe that I haven't posted since January 11th while in the midst of the Big Snow. It's not that I've not been knitting or taking photos, but I just never get down to posting on my own blog. I love reading other's blogs and commenting but I just can't get down to it!

I love to knit anything, but only last year discovered how useful knitted dishcloths are. They was wonderfully and you can boil them, no bother. Until that is, you meet a friend for lunch and on the way home 4 hours later, you get a phone call from your daughter, who is home early from college, to tell you that the house was full of smoke when she came home. It took her a while to discover the problem and she then phoned me. I was on my way home and worried what to expect, but luckily she was home ahead and had doors and windows open. Pictures below tell the tale. You can almost still see the knitted stitches! I think it very well may have gone on fire.
Really really lucky that the whole place did not catch fire. Not sure that smoke alarm was that useful today, which reminds me to check them now.

BEWARE WHEN BOILING DISHCLOTHS

2010-01-11T10:09:00.003Z

Monday morning and this is the third day now without water in our house. While I had been somewhat 'enjoying' the bright snowy weather, which at times looked magnificent, you get to realise how important the real basics. i.e basic water! Currently we are relying on our very good neighbour filling our containers and then poor DH is climbing the ladder, creeping across our attic floor and putting the contents of the containers in to the Water Tank! Also we are collecting the drips from our roof for our WCs and cleaning up. A workout in disguise.

On another note, we took a tentative drive out yesterday near the Japanese gardens in Kildare where we walked and took a few photos - I'll post some next time. I've not been knitting very much in the last few weeks though, except for a hat for my daughter, which I've forgotten to take a photo of and it's now being worn happily. So I'll just have to get back to it, and maybe cheer myself up.

Hope all is good with you!

So I didn't blog, but I was knitting!!!!!!

2010-01-04T19:18:00.002Z

I really really have been knitting, just did not get around to blogging or uploading the photos.

Fingerless made from lovely soft sock yarn,bought at the Woolen Mills.

More fingerless mitts, from yummy Wildefoot sock yarn left over from the next picture!

Wildefoot socks. I got this lovely sock yarn in a swap over on Ravelry. Really lovely and soft, and I'm enjoying wearinig them in this cold weather we are currently having.

This little 'doudou' I knitted from lovely Swedish cotton sock yarn, again from a swap and the pattern is French. (I used the graph in the pattern) This for a gift for a new baby in Australia.

This scarf I knit as a birthday present for my niece. Lovely Baby Cashmerino yarn, and some velvet ribbon which I threaded through the lace.

2010 - Happy New Year - Snow Beauty

2010-01-01T18:20:00.004Z

Happy New Year and wishes for all things good for 2010.

This morning I took a walk on a most beautiful snowy, sunny morning. While it was freezing cold, there were very few cars and very few footsteps on the lovely fresh crunchy snow. Needless to say I had my camera with me and took a few photos. So I hope you enjoy them.

Not far away is the canal and this is Abbey Bridge. This is just about 5 mins walk from the centre of town.

This is a picture taken last night of my lantern in our conservatory. I love candlelight.

A 'snow' flower on top of a stem.

This afternoon we took a walk on this lovely road. No cars and beautiful sunshine anad scenery.

The little village of Sallins is home to many boat owners who live here. The smell of smoke from the little fires is very welcoming, although I'm not sure this type of living is for me, I'm too fond of my home comforts.

After our walk we took some sustinance in a local hostelry, which was lovely and cozy. Really enjoyed our first day of 2010. Hope yours was good too.

Tomorrow I'll get around to posting some knitting pictures. While I haven't been blogging, I have been knitting though and I just need to upload some pictures.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-26T11:48:00.002Z

Happy Christmas Everyone who reads my blog.
We ve been having really festive weather here. Frosty, icy, cold but lovely and sunny. Christmas morning I went for walk and took my camera with me.

Frosty berries

Sunrise on the trees through the branches

Crow sitting on the frosty branches

An elusive flower - won't last too long in the frost

Winter scene where I live.

What I've Been Reading

2009-10-19T18:07:00.005Z

I've just realised that I haven't posted on my blog for almost 2 months now. However I've been reading and knitting away though. Below are some of the books I've read recently.

This book was fast and easy to read. A strange story about Harry who was a teacher in a small American college where a scandal there sent him packing to Paris. The descriptions were great and I could identify with the areas in Paris, as I'd just been there earlier this year. However, while it was a compelling read, and quite a thriller, I was disappointed at the ending.

This is a family story.Based on the fact that a great-aunt of the author was committed in the 1940 s, for 'moral reasons', and duly forgotten. Her husband remarried and his children were later shocked to find out that he had been married before!

This story is an extension of himself, a retrospective justice, and now it's his aunt's story.

A wonderful compelling story, very well written and extremely readable. I would strongly recommend it.

An absolutely brilliant story. Beautifully written with lovely descriptions, I was completely absorbed from beginning to end. It's about the entangled lives of two families and the secret that affects them both. A very sensitive and moving story. Unputdownable.

This was a great book. A little gem. Sensual and evocative. I felt I was really there, seeing and tasting. It was a love story, food story with wonderful descriptions and a history of Chinese food.

This is the first book I've read by this author. She has written many books. It is a sensitive tale of first love in the 1970's between Lydia and Noah. Living in an English village, their childhood was difficult, but despite darker times love shone through. Now in her 40's, Lydia is living in Venice with her step-daughter, when she sees a man in a crowd who reminds her of Noah, and this threatens to expose a secret she has carried with her all her adult life. This story is warm, emotional, romantic and it even has a dark side. Overall a thoroughly good read.

2009-09-20T15:46:00.003Z

A thoroughly enjoyable read. Beautifully written and very descriptive. Mr Watts is a teacher on the island of Bougainville, when the island is invaded and all the school items and books are burnt. Mr Watts then teaches the children through 'Mr Pip' a character from 'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens. This is a compelling read, disturbing and sad at times. The use of 'Great Expectations' as a teaching source is very imaginative and amazing. Matilda's world is well described as is t...more A thoroughly enjoyable read. Beautifully written and very descriptive. Mr Watts is a teacher on the island of Bougainville, when the island is invaded and all the school items and books are burnt. Mr Watts then teaches the children through 'Mr Pip' a character from 'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens. This is a compelling read, disturbing and sad at times. The use of 'Great Expectations' as a teaching source is very imaginative and amazing. Matilda's world is well described as is the island on which these characters live.(less) (edit)

Holidays June 2009

2009-08-30T15:55:00.004Z

Back in June we had really good weather. Spent a couple of weeks touring around. Unfortunately the sunshine only lasted until July!

Lough Key Forest Park in Co Roscommon.

A white duck at Dromod harbour

Malahide in glorious sunshine

Malahide

Yet another Malahide photo.

Cruiser entering Malahide harbour with Lambay island in the background.

Seapoint Co Dublin : June 2009 Holiday at Home!

2009-07-30T21:39:00.002Z

This year we spent our holidays at home, or should I say from home as we took outings almost every day. We had wonderful dry sunny weather and so really enjoyed a lot of what Ireland has to offer, using our home as a base.

First day trip was to the coast south of Dublin city, to Seapoint. This is quite near to DunLaoghaire and is easily accessed by bus or train. This is a lovely beach with plenty of rockpools, and is a very popular swimming beach.

Treasures in the rock pools.

More Paris Pictures

2009-07-04T17:51:00.003Z

As it's summer time, there's not much knitting or crafting being done, and so to keep the blog going I'll post some of my summer photos. And so more of Paris -

A window in Printemps department store. All of the windows were themed with various coloured large Plastic Rabbits. Some even on the footpath/pavement. More of those later. Certainly eye-catching!

View from the top of The Grande Arche at La Defense. Absolutely amazing! That's the Champs Elysee straight down the middle.

Under the Arch

Can't you see what really great weather we had. It was great.

Paris in May

2009-06-23T22:15:00.003Z

Spent a glorious long weekend in Paris last month.
The usual picture, taken from the 'Batobus' boat on the Seine in glorious sunshine.

Some delectable looking pastries! Did not taste any as the queue was so long in the shop I did not feel like waiting.

Crafty Things - What I've been doing

2009-06-19T20:02:00.003Z

Although I've not been blogging lately, I have been reading other blogs and I've been crafting. Below are just some of my FOs

Some socks:
From the lift; pink socks for my sister made from 'Fabel' sock yarn from Scandinavian Knitting Design. I really love this sock yarn and it's a very good price
Next are the lovely blue socks, made from Koigu yarn which I received in a gift from my swap partner ages ago. It's such soft yarn and they should be really warm for the winter
The brown socks are made from gorgeous alpaca/wool yarn bought at the Avoca sale. I gave these ones to another sister as a birthday gift.
And last but not least are the two tone socks made with yarn left over from the first pair and a ball of navy Regia sock yarn. (a gift for my daughter)
You can really get 2 pairs of socks from 150g of sock yarn!

It was my daughter's birthday earlier this month and I made this cushion from various pieces of fabric in my stash. She really loved it and I was delighted with the result.

May Ravelry Ten Dollar Swap

2009-05-21T15:37:00.003Z

These are the lovely gifts I received in my May swap package from L. I really love them all.
Lovely blue stitch markers (they are attached to a row counter)

Great bracelet

Notelets

Notes mouse mat

Writing paper

Pen#

Really great sock yarn - (Wildefoot) in gorgeous purply, pink blues

A really lovely package.

Samuel Beckett Bridge, Dublin

2009-05-17T22:20:00.004Z

Dublin is to have a new bridge across the Liffey. It should be in place and use in 2010. These are a few photos of the bridge newly delivered to the site in the last few days. I think it will look great when it's in place.

Spring 2009

2009-05-13T08:01:00.002Z

Spring is here, or should I say summer if we go by the month. Although it's May I still think of Spring. A week or two ago, I paid a visit to the beautiful village of Inistioge in Co Kilkenny, and the lovely woodlands and gardens of Woodstock House. The pictures I've posted are just of the flowers I found there. Will show some other village and garden pictures next time.

April Ravelry Ten Dollar Swap

2009-05-06T16:39:00.002Z

These are the great gifts I got in my April package from cgamroth. These monthly swaps are just great fun, and I've had lovely partners.

Great 'sugar 'n cream' yarn in gorgeous spring colours

lovely blue merino/acrylic/cashmere blend yarn

great notebooks, pens, and magnetic message pad,

chocolates and coffee

And a lovely handmade project bag in a great shade of green with sparkles

Extreme Sheep LED Art

2009-03-31T16:47:00.001Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2FX9rviEhw

Have a giggle. I know I did. Sheep are not just for wool.

Happy St Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T18:56:00.003Z

Happy St Patrick's Day everyone. Here on the East Coast of Ireland we have been basking in glorious sunshine for the past few days. Although still chilly, it's lovely for March in Ireland. Over the weekend, we visited the Botanic Gardens in Dublin and I thought I would post a few photos. I have been doing a photography course for the last few weeks and I'm enjoying trying out my new skills. It's a great place to visit, to walk, have coffee or a meal, enjoy all the trees and plants and maybe learn something. Often an exhibition is hosted in the main building, and this time a beautiful selection of quilts was on view. What wonderful and artistic work. Unfortunately I think it finished on Sunday last.

Ravelry 10 dollar swap

2009-02-06T21:07:00.003Z

I joined the 10 dollar swap over at Ravelry. It's really good fun cos it does not cost a lot and it's amazing what you can put together to treat your swap partner. Today my parcel arrived from Giulia in Italy and she spoiled me with lovely treats. Italian art bookmark calendar, gorgeous pink merino/acrylic yarn which is so soft, yummy chocolate and other lovely little treats. Thank you very much Giulia.

This is a sock yarn beret which I have just finished for my daughter. I was very pleased with the result, but alas it's too small. Not to worry though as I've just unravelled it from the top and am knitting it again. I will make it longer to the decreasing and it should solve the problem.

Last weekend I finished this pair of socks for myself. Given the really cold weather we are currently having, they are very welcome to keep my feet warm.

Snow! Snow! Snow!

2009-02-03T16:52:00.003Z

It's not very often that our country has falls of snow and when it can be really beautiful. Last week I began a photography course. I really need it I hear you all say. Anyway we walked to the local park and took some photos.

This is my back garden last night with the snow weighing heavily on the shrubs

A view from my front door. More like Christmas?

Looking at front of my house.

While the snow is lovely, I was caught in almost blizzard conditions this afternoon on my way home. However it has eased off since. It's a little scary driving in these conditions.

Don't think I'll make my knitting group this evening, I'm not sure I'd like to get caught out in the cold later, so I'll knit by the fire instead.!!

Knitting in the New Year

2009-01-20T22:29:00.004Z

I started out this New Year with the intention of using up lots of my ever-growing stash.I really shouldn't purchase any more yarn until some of it is gone, that is unless I need some for a particular project!!
Anyway so far so good.

This is a pair of mittens for myself. I had none and the recent spell of really cold weather prompted me to knit them. Recognise the yarn? Well I bought 9 skeins of this Noro yarn to knit up a cardi for myself, but when I got half way in to it I realised I would not wear it and it would not be flattering, so I'm knitting lots out of it including 3 pairs of sofa slippers, 2 pairs of fingerless gloves and these mittens, and I still have a skein left!!! I'll think of something to use it for. Anyway these mitts are really warm.

These two items are felted covers for portable hard-drives. My daughter needed a cover recently for her new and expensive hard drive and so I created one. However when her college friends saw it , they fell in love with it and asked me to knit one for them too. They are funky and protective.

One evening last week a friend called at dinner time and surprised me with these beautiful spring tulips. I have them in the conservatory where it is cold and I see them all the time to brighten up these dark winter days. I think they should last longer out there. What a lovely thought!

Christmas Knitting

2008-12-31T17:48:00.004Z

I didn't get a lot of knitting done for Christmas gifts this year. I don't think I planned to really. Anyway these are a few that I did manage to do.

A clapotis and matching mittens for my eldest daughter, and she was thrilled with them. I also knit a similar clapotis for my younger daughter in a different colour. The yarn used for both was Phildar Lambswool. It's 50% lambswool and 50% acrylic. It's really really soft. Hope it washes ok later!

This is a gorgeous gorilla who came naked and needed a handknit cardi! I think he was very happy. Good way to use some more of my stash.

Gorilla in another pose!

Three pairs of 'sofa slippers' for my sisters, knitted in Noro 'Silver Thaw'. Hope they deep the toesies warm this cold weather.

Must keep knitting from my stash!!!!!!!!!!!

My Mam

2008-11-29T20:40:00.004Z

My Mam, Carmel, passed away on the morning of Nov 21st last after a short illness.
She was gentle, kind, loving, caring and giving.
We will miss her terribly. I don't think it has dawned on us yet.
I will miss the long phone calls, the chats, the gossip, the visits.

May she rest in peace.

A Walk on the Beach

2008-11-13T19:13:00.004Z

A couple of weeks ago, I spent a most relaxing weekend in Co. Wexford with two friends. Despite many stressful things at present, it was really lovely to go away. Walks on the beach, short drives and shopping in Enniscorthy with plenty of coffee, wine and good food thrown in.
I'm no writer, but one morning while walking on the beach in glorious November sunshine and crisp air, I was inspired.

Flimsy, frothy, floaty bubbles
Whirl about on the pebbly beach
Left by the sandy grey sea
Breaking, snowy, foamy white, to the shore

A sunny crisp November morning
Walking, crunching the pebbles
Fresh, clean, crisp air
Exhilerating the senses

Ger

Fave things swap

2008-11-06T20:03:00.003Z

My package for the Fave things swap on Ravelry arrived yesterday. A lovely red scarf, Knitting Rules book, yummy sock yarn, scented candles, dpns, some coffee, lovely stitch markers and some doggie treats for my dog. Thank you Kellie so much for my lovely parcel.

Innocent!

2008-10-28T08:42:00.004Z

Hi there! Haven't had time to blog for the last week. Life's been so hectic with family member in hospital. However, I have been knitting lately, for my sanity, with the Big Knit involving teeny tiny hats for Innocent Smoothies/Topaz oil. These little hats will top Innocent Smoothie bottles sold in Topaz oil shops from November 4th next. www.innocentdrinks.ie/thebigknit.

For every smoothie sold with a little hat, Innocent/Topaz will give 1 euro to Age Action Ireland.

It is hoped that 20,000e will be raised by this venture.

Good Luck to all involved.

Anniversary Draw Winner

2008-10-14T14:12:00.002Z

And the winner of my draw is..................................................Laura, at www.cinnamonpatrol.blogspot.com

Congratulations Laura. I will contact you shortly.

I put a number representing all those who commented in a bowl and Laura's number was first one out. Thanks again to all my blog readers.

100th Post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-06T08:13:00.007Z

Hello Everyone! My 100th post. A big Thanks to all of you who have made my blogging life a pleasure, reading and commenting. I haven't forgotten about the draw I promised for all who comment on this and my last blog post. I will draw next Monday, October 13th!

I can't believe that been it's over a month since I last posted on my blog. I've been really busy with lots of things. Been on holidays for 2 weeks to France in early September, hence the pictures posted on the blog this morning. Facing autumn and winter, I thought it would cheer us up to see some pictures from Monet's house and garden in Giverny, west of Paris. This is truly a beautiful village and the house and gardens are really gorgeous. On the day we visited it rained, but despite the wetness, we spent a very pleasant few hours. The colours in the gardens are beautiful and are my favourite pastels and sunflowers. Any artist would be inspired.

On the knitting front, I've been neglecting the knitting lately in order to finish the 2nd crochet sock yarn blanket for my other daughter who is waiting patiently for it, and just started to knit some teeny tiny hats for the 'Innocent Smoothie Big Knit'. ie Little woolly hats will be put on the smoothie bottles in Topaz stores from 5th Nov next, and for every hat-wearing smoothie sold, Innocent and Topaz will give 1e to Age Action. A good cause, with a little but enjoyable effort!

More info at www.innocentdrinks.ie/thebigknit

Finished Projects

2008-08-31T11:39:00.005Z

Despite my lack of blogging and photos, I have been busy knitting and indeed crocheting recently.

A little baby jumper, knitted in lovely soft cotton/soya mix, by Sirdar. This is really lovely yarn, but it sometimes splits while knitting. The pattern I designed myself, and am really pleased with it. I may publish it one day.

My scarf in lovely soft Alpaca yarn, which I bought a couple of years ago at the Knitting and Stitching show. I tried a couple of patterns which were not successful, and finally settled on one free from Interweave Knitting magazine.

And finally a lovely blanket which I crocheted from various sock yarns with a 3.5mm crochet hook. This is really great, and my daughter is delighted with it.

The photos don't do it justice though, and I had difficulty with the lighting in the bedroom. I got the idea from one I saw on a blog www.fluffyknitterdeb.blogspot.com.

I'm off on my holidays this evening, so thought I would post these before I go. As this is my 99th post, I hope to mark my 100th with perhaps a draw!!! from all you bloggers who make a comment on this or my next posting. If you don't see your comment published in the next 2 weeks, worry not as I may not get to the internet while I'm away, and my comments have to be moderated first.

Some Wexford Pictures

2008-08-09T21:08:00.009Z

Sunday August 24th 2008

I know that the date above reads the 9th August, but that's just because I saved the photos that day. Just if I've confused anyone!

My last post described our few days in the 'Sunny South', but it didn't rain quite all the time we were there. Before we reached our campsite, we stopped at the Wexford Wildfowl sanctuary. This is a really lovely peaceful place where every amenity is supplied to watch the many birds that live and nest here. And great 'hides' to climb up to and watch. Its really lovely and very informative.

Views from the Observation tower. You really could spend a few hours here just watching.

One of the evenings, the sun came out, and while walking a beautiful sunset greeted us as we turned a corner.

A lovely sunny few hours at Kilmore Quay and some of the trawlers in the harbour.

Seagull, waiting to swoop for fish.

Waves crashing on the rocks at Hook Head. A really great place!

While walking around the back of Hook Head lighthouse, we came across this memorial to a Denis Duffin. Presumably lost at sea in the year 2000, a reminder of the strength and the challenge of the sea.

'Sunny South East'

2008-08-09T14:40:00.005Z

Just back from a few days in Wexford in the 'Sunny South East'. We chose this area as it is known to have more sunny dry weather than the rest of Ireland. And so above is the view from our new tent. We arrived to pretty good weather and had a barbecue the first evening.
But no sooner were we asleep when we awoke to firstly heavy rain, then a short time later to howling winds and rain. We had to stay up for most of the night and even had to hold the front of the tent up, the wind was so strong. A really miserable start. Next day was just a tiny bit better, rain in the morning and a little drier after lunch, but more rain that night too, only the wind was not so strong.
On Wednesday we drove to Waterford city, as it was raining once again, and so we spent the morning browsing and after lunch we went as far as Kilmore Quay, which is a lovely little village and harbour. Guess what!!!!!!!!!! The sun came out for about an hour and it was so glorious. Quite an enjoyable day.
Did not find any yarn shops, Thank God, as I would probably have added to my stash.

This was our accomodation for the duration of our stay. Despite the bad weather we had a really relaxing time and did enjoy our break away.
Overall, Ireland is having a really awful wet and windy summer, once again.
More photos from Wexford on my next posting.

Recent Reads

2008-07-27T18:40:00.010Z

This is a completely wonderful book. Well written and a compulsive read. I will certainly read this one again. 'Death' is the narrator of this novel - it is set in Nazi Germany and tells the story of Liesel, who steals books to read. She takes amazing risks to get her hands on books and the pleasure of reading and telling stories sustain her during the awful war years.
This is also a story of struggle, real friendship, fear, love and beauty of the person and literature. I would highly recommend it.

This is a dark, haunting book, full of secrets and blackmail. It tells the tale of a newly appointed judge, Simone, who is the family breadwinner after her husband faces bankruptcy. The family had to move to a remote seaside village. Simone is haunted by her past and her relationships with Michael an American Vietnam war veteran, and his friend Calvin.
I enjoyed this atmospheric novel, and it is quite a pageturner, which leaves you still wondering.

This one is based around No 44 Scotland Street in Edinburgh and the residents therein. Its an extremely warm book and very well written. The characters are well drawn and easy to relate to, full of humour and fun. It seems to be the 2nd of 3 books in a series and although I have not read the other 2, it stands alone and is a good read.

I have also read a few of the series 'Ladies No 1 Detective Agency' by the same author and the same warmth and reality are present. A lovely light read.

Kooramock by The Isohels - (Curamach - Irish for Careful)

2008-06-23T18:44:00.005Z

Last week the Isohels (the band my daughter plays in) played their 'final' gig with a party atmosphere at Whelans of Wexford Street in Dublin. A brilliant performance!! Having been together now for 4 years, they have entertained at gigs around Dublin and Kildare, and their album which has been worked on for the last few months only released on the night of the gig, just an hour before show started. Go on over to www.myspace.com/theisohels to hear a sample. I have thoroughly enjoyed going to their gigs, and indeed have gone to more music venues in the last couple of years than I did all my life.Good luck to you all as you journey now in different directions and I hope you will all get together again for more rocking entertainment. I'll miss the gigs and will have to look for other excuses to attend them!!

The Isohels

The audience enjoying the gig
A road sign advertising the album.

On another note but with the same theme. Be careful (Kooramock) where you park your car while you attend a gig!!!! Clamped again, along with Mary at http://www.craftydogs.blogspot.com/.

Mix n Match Swap

2008-06-17T08:28:00.005Z

I recently signed up for a Mix n Match swap. My swap was Erica from Sweden. www.stickis.blogspot.com.
A wonderful parcel arrived yesterday as you can see from the following pictures and I am delighted with the gifts.
A beautiful pink silk covered notebook, lovely fruity tea, which I will try later, some biscotti style biscuits with a hint of mint flavour, very unusual and delicious, that green cone-shaped package contained delicious chocolate (notice the past tense on the chocs). A lovely pink linen dishcloth, 4 beautiful bluey pink buttons and fabulous coloured what I think is cotton sock yarn. (I can't read the Swedish label)
This is the lovely yarn and gorgeous buttons

Flickr Success

2008-06-02T17:42:00.003Z

I felt after yesterday's rant that I should blog today to say that I had success in uploading my pictures and posting them on Ravelry. Just logged on to Ravelry this morning and thought that it would be just the same as last evening, but Bingo!! uploading worked!! Seems like there was a glitch on Flickr's system and others had the same problem.
Onwards and upwards. I am not very techno aware and last night was the last straw. You know how it feels when you think your doing something wrong computerwise? Well everytime I tackle something new, I always have the jitters and think that I won't be able to do it, and also afraid that I'll make a complete mess. And so when something does not work, I just assume it's me doing something wrong. But today I feel better and the success at publishing the pictures on Ravelry gives me the impetus to carry on.
End of rant!!

Flickr Anger!!!! WIPs and Finished Knits

2008-06-01T21:40:00.006Z

Current wip. Alpaca scarf from a free pattern at Interweave Knits. Its little arrowhead lace and is quite an easy knit. I bought the yarn at the 2006 Knitting and Stitching show!!!! Its been in my stash since. Its really soft.

Finished blue cardi/jacket. This took me about 3 months to knit. Its in Jaegar Matchmaker Merino 4ply and knit on 3.75mm needles. I'm really pleased with it especially since I washed it and blocked it. Before that, the stitches looked uneven, but now are quite flat. The yarn is really soft, but the weather is too warm to wear it at the moment.

I've had to blog about these projects, as I've spent the last 2 hours on Ravelry trying to add the photos from my Flickr account to my Ravelry project base. I've no idea what is going wrong, but when I drag the picture to place it in the required 'box' it wont go into the box at all, but then I get a number of the pictures all over the page. Don't quite know how I'm still sane or have not lost my temper with the whole thing. Its taken me ages to sit down and write up my Ravelry profile and enter my projects, stash etc. I even asked my daughter for help and she is completely baffled!!

A few days in Paris - April 2008

2008-05-16T18:05:00.006Z

View from Sacre Coeur, Montmartre over Paris. As you can see the weather was great.
Had a great few days in Paris in April. I had not been before although I have been to other areas of France and really loved it. Would really love to go back again.

How to advertise!!

Le Grand Bistro, where we had dinner. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
And really delicious Cotes Du Rhone wine with dinner!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A view of Notre Dame Cathedral in the beautiful evening sun.

Funky fashion just inside the door of Galerie Lafayette
On Sunday morning we wandered down to the the area known as the 'Marais'. Lovely little streets and plenty of little shops open too. In the Place des Vosges there were a number of little Arty shops and I was really fascinated to see these wonderful sculptures in one of them. You may have to click the picture larger to really see them.
La Tour Eiffel at night (obviously) but when the lights all dance on the hour. Really lovely sight.
Another night view of the Tour.

A little vineyard hidden down at the back of the Sacre Coeur.

And more funky fashion.

Overall I would recommend Paris for a great break away. I did root out the shop La Drougerie, and would you believe!!!!!!!!!! I also bought some yarn. Will post pictures later, as I have not taken any yet.

Knit Lit

2008-05-04T20:18:00.011Z

Recently I've been reading some Knitting fiction.

First up was 'The Friday Night Knitting Club' by Kate Jacob.This is the story of a single mother, Georgia, who has her hands full with her yarn shop and raising her teenage daughter. Her Friday knitting club is the place where friendships are made and problems are discussed and helped. This book was slow to get going and indeed I was half way through before I really got into it. I suppose I was slightly disappointed in it having heard all the hype about the movie being made with Julia Roberts starring. I will go and see it though for the curiosity.

Next was 'A Good Yarn' by Debbie Macomber.This is the story of Lydia who has had health issues. She sets up a sock knitting class in her yarn store and through it we meet the lovely people who attend it, and their interesting lives, and the lovely friendships created through it. This book also includes patterns for knitting socks. The characters in this book are well drawn and interesting. Overall I really enjoyed this one.

I've just finished 'Divas Don't Knit' by Gil McNeil. This tells the story of Jo Mackenzie,who is recently widowed and has two small boys. She leaves London for a small seaside town in southern England to take over her grandmother's wool shop. This shop is very old-fashioned and Jo sets about modernising it and indeed updating the idea of knitting. This is a sometimes funny and uplifting book, with some lovely characters. A simple and enjoyable read.

These were really easy reads and great for relaxing.

Quack Quack! and Woof

2008-04-19T20:09:00.004Z

A 'duck' on our garden pond this morning. This is a cool watering can, a gift from my daughter. isn't it lovely.

And our golden labrador, Eorna. Posing under the arch in the sun. She is almost 10 years old.

Its a really beautiful morning with the sun shining. Hope it lasts, but from the weather forecast, I'm not sure. Anyway will enjoy it while its here.

Have a good day.

Birthday Time

2008-04-19T19:48:00.004Z

It was my birthday earlier this month and I got great gifts. Among them was a new camera and so I have been taking hundreds of photos.

A close up of the flowers I got from DH and daughter
A lovely bowl in which I've planted a few lilies and am looking forward to watching them grow and flower.

This is a lovely cream 'Clapotis' scarf which my sister took the trouble to knit for me. Its in lovely baby bamboo yarn and feels really soft.

The Crime of being Clamped

2008-04-05T17:35:00.005Z

To the best of my knowledge I've not done anything criminal in my life. However, I did feel like I'd done something really wrong last week. I parked my car in a 'pay and display' car park, whose signage was not that visible on my entrance into and on my pedestrian route out of it, and so I did not get a parking ticket. But on my return, I discovered that I had been 'CLAMPED'. It took a minute or two to realise the full extent of this situation before I made the phone call to the company to release me. After several attempts of speaking to the automated voice and getting very frustrated at the good of it, I eventually made contact. But I had to wait over 50 mins for the van to come and take the clamp off.
As I was waiting in the car for the de-clampers, a number of pedestrians and drivers entered and exited the car park. As they passed and saw the bright yellow clamp, they stared at both the car and me, the driver. Some tried to hide the fact that they were sneaking a look, but others just blatantly stared at me, as if I was an absolute criminal, and waiting to see the 'stoning'. So not only had I to suffer the annoyance of the clamp and the enormous fee of 90euro for declamping, but also the humiliation of being stared at as if I had committed a heinous crime.................! ( to say nothing about the leer of the declamper)
Now I feel a bit better having let off that steam, but it does not take away the sting.

A Noro Moment - Rip Rip

2008-03-18T13:03:00.002Z

Oh dear! Halfway through ripping my Noro Sideways Cardi. I asked DD for her opinion on the back, and whether I should use some fabric for it or order some more yarn. When I held it up, she just suggested I should look in the mirror to see if it suited me!! She was so right, neither the colour way or the style of it suited me, so I am ripping. What I'll use the yarn for I don't know, but at least I spared myself the added expense of another 3-4 skeins at 8e a pop.
How I have not cursed I don't know. It must be the glorious sunshine outside today.
Now for another project.

St Patrick's Day and No Excuse

2008-03-17T11:21:00.004Z

Happy St Patrick's Day everyone. I've no plans for the day yet, except maybe to take a spin on this lovely Spring morning.I have not been to the St Patrick's Day Parade for years, not since my children were much younger. Spent a lovely morning though in Dublin city yesterday, just browsing and having coffee and lunch. Very pleasant.

A few weeks ago I went to the Avoca yarn sale in Avoca Handweavers in Co Wicklow. We had a really lovely day, and lunch with knitting friends. Didn't add too much to the stash this year though. Just some lovely soft brown wool/maybe alpaca mix and this gorgeous pale grey possibly wool or wool mix or maybe cotton/wool. I've no idea what the yarns are , but they are really nice, and I've no idea what I'll do with them. Then the fabric, which feels like a linen/cotton mix, and I hope to make a shirty top with that some time!

This scarf I knit for my daughter recently. It started out as a fine knit scarf from some 'jitterbug' sock yarn, but it was too lacy and not very warm, so I ripped it out, added some lovely Rowan cotton/cashmere to it and ended up with a great warm scarf, which I think is liked.

These are lilies which I got for mother's day a couple of weeks ago, along with a book 'Mister Pip' which I'm looking forward to reading and a knitting magazine, some chocolates, and some lovely pottery. All great gifts for Mother's day!

I've been a very lazy 'blogger' this year, and I've no excuse. I'm knitting away, crocheting squares to complete my first ever granny square blanket and when finished I'll upload the pictures. Trying to finish a sideways knit cardi for myself from some lovely Noro 'silver thaw', but I've ripped it so many times I'm not sure if or when I'll finish it. And I've read lots of great books which I'll blog about seperately.

Mother's Day

2008-03-02T19:52:00.005Z

Just a quick post to wish all my blog readers a very Happy Mother's Day, and hope that it was good for you too. Its good to have such a day to remember and appreciate all that mothers do.

A big Thank You to my own mother too.

My Parcel

2008-02-27T13:31:00.010Z

Yeah!!! My cocoa swap parcel arrived yesterday. I was so delighted. Was not at home when it arrived so had a note to say that the postman had called and that a parcel could be collected at the local postal sorting office. My cocoa swap partner is Felicia from http://www.feliciaknits.blogspot.com/. These are the contents, mostly wrapped in tissue.

Beautiful sock yarn from Crystal Palace yarns. Its made from bamboo, wool and nylon and its so so soft.

Some really yummy 'Archer Farms' Milk chocolate mix. Its really delicious and also tastes very good shaken on a cappuccino! Three sachets of Cocoa classics from 'Land Lakes' which I will taste later. Delicious nutty butterscotch - gone, and a yummy bar of Lindt orange chocolate - also gone!

Lovely stitch markers which match the colour of the sock yarn - exactly.

And last but certainly not least, my lovely 'blah buddy' to cheer up this month. Its a lovely felted owl, beautifully made! I've named her 'Buttons'. A bit obvious I know, but it really suits her with her beautiful blue buttoned eyes. She fits right beside my computer work station and even fits on the keyboard without getting in the way.

Thank you so much Felicia for a great package and gorgeous contents.

Recent Knitting

2008-02-15T19:03:00.002Z

This shawl was knitted in Kid Silk Haze. I had trouble with it from the word go, as I've blogged before. It started out as Birch from a Rowan pattern but after two mistakes and ripping, I managed to find a pattern from the Lana Grossa site and it was quite easy once I got going. The edge I crocheted after.

These are pictures of the 'blah buddy' I knitted for my cocoa swap partner at www.cyclingknitter.blogspot.com. She has named her 'Missy', which I think really suits her.The pattern was my own, out of my head, and was knitted in some left over sock yarn. I can't remember which one, but I think it had cotton in the mix. I was quite pleased with her.

Cocoa swap - Again!

2008-02-13T21:24:00.003Z

My swap partner, Angie, at www.cyclingknitter.blogspot.com, received her gifts at the weekend and I think she really likes them. I really enjoyed getting the gifts together for her. As it was her birthday on Monday last, why not pop over and send her a wish.
Looking forward to receiving my parcel now.
Happy Valentines Day to all my blog readers.

Cocoa Swap -Early memories and memorable Vacations

2008-01-31T09:41:00.000Z

The vacation that sticks in my mind is quite a recent one when myself and DH went to the South of France on a business trip. We had been to France before but that was to Brittany. The Mediterranean was everything I pictured it to be, azure blue and completely clear. The coastline near to Nice and Monaco is rugged and has many levels of (corniches)roadways and even from the highest level if you look down you can see to the bottom of the sea. The hotel we stayed in was beautiful, and the view from the bedroom amazing, overlooking the sea and the sound of the water gently lapping below was so soothing. Oh dear I wish I was there now!

My earliest childhood memory is of visitors of my parents from New Zealand, who stayed in my house and how they were having their breakfast served in the dining room, which must have been unusual at the time. However my Mom thinks I was only about 1 year old and was astonished lately when I could describe certain things about that time to her, which were right and she had forgotten about.

A Happy Hooker - Happily Hooked!

2008-01-27T16:19:00.001Z

Recently a knitting friend, Cheryl www.asimpleyarn.net, was destashing some books and I relieved her of 'The Happy Hooker' by Debbie Stoller. Now over the years I've made various attempts at crochet, took classes, read books etc, but never managed to crochet squares. I could manage to crochet a little in the round, but squares left me baffled. Anyway I took this book and some spare yarn to knitnight last week and I became absorbed in crocheting a square. I was so delighted with myself, and felt I could use up some of my stash by crocheting some squares.
Well not only did I not use my stash, but I bought some yarn at my LYS and started some squares to put together for a blanket. I'm hooked, and I just can't stop.

These are the squares so far. I think they look great and I am really chuffed.

I'll have to look for a knitting project also.

Hot Cocoa Swap - Topic of the Week 2

2008-01-20T14:56:00.000Z

Now that we're in the thick of Winter............has your knitting changed to match the season? Are you moving on from dishcloths, and tank tops to afghans, hats and mittens? Has your yarn changed from silk or cotton, to wool super wash or heavy cottons?

Well I suppose I have been knitting wintery things lately. Lots of scarves,hats, some socks and mobile phone 'socks'. These were mostly for Christmas presents. Currently I am working on a shawl for myself and I hope to knit a cardi soon. I have used wool or wool/silk mixes for the gifts, and I hope to knit my own cardi from some Noro which is in my stash since last year.
I love cottons and silks also and have made some washcloths lately which I love. They are really good for the face and I would suggest they make good 'exfoliators' instead of expensive products. My skin feels really clean after use. (Gosh I'm off on a tangent, how did I get here!)

Recent Knitting

2008-01-18T19:49:00.000Z

Last year I found two skeins of Noro Silk Garden in the oddments box at my LYS, but only got to using it recently. First, I knit the lovely cable beanie from a Rowan Pattern in their 'Coast' book. However, when I tried it on it did not suit me at all, but looked really gorgeous on both my daughters, so that's who's wearing it. But there was enough to get a second hat for myself with the use of a little wool/alpaca in grey for the brim, so am pleased with that

This is a little lavender heart I knit for my mother for Christmas, which I think she liked. I knit it from sock yarn and the colours looked great. The pattern was from Interweave, on line and free. It was a bit complicated at first, and i would not class it as a quick knit, but I would definitely knit it again.

This New year brought some knitting disasters for me, and so I have not had many photos to upload. Firstly was the linen cotton yarn with which I was attempting a cardi, but the whole segment of knitting was leaning sideways! I asked a few of my knitting friends for advice, but they had not seen this problem before, so I have left this project aside for the moment.
Next I started a lovely shawl/scarf from a Rowan pattern in Kidsilk Haze, but I made a few mistakes in that pattern too, and it was a nightmare to rip, but I did and am re-knitting the shawl in a new pattern. (If successful, I will show later).
Currently I am beginning a tiny project for my cocoa swap pal. Enough said.

Then I hope to knit up a cardi in some more Noro yarn from my stash. Those I think are enough plans for the moment considering my mishaps.

Hot Cocoa Swap Scavenger Hunt

2008-01-08T10:24:00.000Z

1 Whose favourite animal is an otter?
Anne K

2 Name someone who prefers whipped cream with their cocoa.
Geraldine P

3 Find 3 people who live outside of the US
Alex E, Geraldine P, Clarissa R

4 Name a fan of Harry Potter
Devin H

5 Name someone who crochets
Felicia R

6 Name someone who DOES NOT have a healthy supply of notions
Sarah R

7 Name someone who has not put their questionnaire up yet
Rhonda C Jan 9th 00.15

8 Who likes to have Kahlua, Baileys, or Peppermint Schnapps in their cocoa
Rachel C

9 Name someone who knits fingerless gloves as a 'quick knit'
Tanya M

10 Name someone who is looking forward to gardening this spring
Geraldine P

11 Whose favourite way to drink cocoa is with a gorgeous Frenchman while overlooking the Eiffel Tower from a French cafe?
Kris L

12 Name someone whose favourite animal is NOT a dog or house cat
Angela T

13 Name someone whose favourite treat is NOT chocolate
Tricia R

14Who plays Candyland
Criquette

15 Name someone who DOESN'T get the winter blahs
Cathy D

MMM Hot Cocoa Swap/

2008-01-06T11:15:00.000Z

Well on another and brighter note, I've just signed up for another swap. A hot cocoa swap, the idea of which is to brighten up the month of February which can be quite a dull month, neither winter nor spring and with Christmas past. So I am looking forward to meeting other like-minded bloggers.

Questionnaire

1 What is you favourite way to drink cocoa? Prepared with milk? water? from homemade recipe or store bought? In a tea cup or a big mug?
I usually have store bought 'Cadburys' cocoa or drinking chocolate prepared with skimmed milk.
And I prefer a mug.

2 Marshmallows or whipped cream?
Preferably whipped cream.

Yarn/knitting/crochet

1 What is your favourite type of yarn? In which colours?
I like natural yarns, non scratchy. I love cotton, bamboo, silk and soft wools, and mixes of same.
I love creams,beiges, pinks,blues, pale grey and mostly pastels

2 Do you knit, crochet or both?
Primarily I knit. I can do just a few basic crochet stitches.

3 What are your favourite type of needles? Would you like to try something new?
My favourite currently are Addi circulars. I find them great and they take the strain off my arms while knitting. I have used steel ones and bamboos.

4 Do you have a healthy supply of notions?
Yes and No.I do some sewing and am forever looking things in different places. A new year resolution of mine is to try and sort things.

5 What one thing do you keep thinking you need to buy for your knitting habit? (outside of yarn)
Thimbles, stitch markers and small scissors. I can never find them.

6 What is your favourite 'quick knit/crochet' pattern? (quick gratification)
Hats, scarves, or bags. I like knitting socks too, but they take a little longer.

Miscellaneous

1 What is your favourite thing to do in winter?
If the weather is crisp and dry, I like walking alone listening to my radio. I like to knit almost every day, although I don't get half enough done, and I love to browse through my patterns longingly. I am also an avid reader and love to go to bed early with a good book.

2 What is your favourite animal?
I have a yellow labrador, whom I take for walks every day.

3 Do you get the winter 'blahs'?
Sometimes. I do think that after Christmas can be like that especially. Lots of cleaning up to do and with the longer days all the work ahead shows up.

4 What is your favourite way to beat the 'blahs'?
Take a book, and go to a lovely store about 20 mins away to read, have coffee/chocolate and something delicious to eat. Or a branch of this store which is up in the mountains and is really lovely. A bit of a longer drive but worth it for the view. Meet up for knitting night with friends.

5 What is the thing you are most looking forward to in the spring?
To be able to get out into the garden, plant a few seeds/bulbs and wait for the weather to get warmer to sit out and barbecue. (with a bit of knitting thrown in)

6 What is your favourite treat?
Chocolate. (unflavoured, I prefer just chocolate with no flavours in it)

7 What is your favourite board game?
Its a very long time since I played one, but I used to love 'trivial pursuit'.

8 Do you have children? (furry or human)
Yes, but they are grown now. My youngest has now gone to college. Two of them still live at home with us. And our dog.

9 Do you have any allergies or special consideration your partner should know about?
Not really, except sensitive skin, so I don't like scratchy yarn next to my skin.

Knitting for 2008. - Help!

2008-01-05T20:26:00.000Z

Well I have all sorts of knitting project plans, whether they will come to pass is another thing, if the start of them is anything to go by. Last year I got a cone of lovely beige/cream slub yarn which seems to be linen/cotton mix. It has been sitting in my stash among many others. However while I have about 2/3 of the back done, I realise that my knitted piece is 'leaning' to one side. This has happened to me before, but only when I've attempted to knit with chenille yarns. I am really frustrated with it and don't know whether to proceed or just rip back. I think I'll attempt blocking the piece as it is and see what happens. Any ideas anyone?

New Year's Eve 2007

2007-12-31T15:44:00.000Z

It's New Year's Eve, I can't believe how the year has flown. I've really enjoyed blogging and meeting new blogging friends especially through some of the swaps I've participated in. We have kept in contact with each other also which is lovely. I've had many emails from them too and have learnt lots.
Just before Christmas I got a surprise package from my Treatee, Lucy at www.zebraknits.typepad.com. Some lovely turquoise mohair yarn and a copy of the winter Interweave knits magazine. I'm really thrilled with it and there are at least three patterns in it that I will definitely knit.
Well a big Happy New Year to you all and Happy Knitting 2008.

Christmas 2007

2007-12-25T15:35:00.000Z

Happy Christmas everyone! I hope its a great one this year. Have not been blogging since November. Ah well more from me in the New Year hopefully. Have plenty of pictures to post and some knitted projects too. Just taking a little time from preparations now and looking forward to a lovely Christmas dinner with all the trimmings shortly. Got great gifts today and Christmas is just as great as ever.

Some finished knitting projects

2007-11-19T09:13:00.000Z

I have been doing some knitting lately. Some items I just forgot to take photos of before I gave them as gifts.
This is the shawl I knit for my daughter's debs back in September. Its knit in Kid Silk Haze and I was really pleased with it. Its light and floaty and rolled into a ball to fit in a bag, all with no creases. I would recommend this yarn for a shawl anytime.The pattern is called 'River' from Rowan mag No 38.

A pair of 'Fetchings'. Pattern from Knitty.com, tried and tested by me and lots of others. This time I adjusted the pattern to suit some Rowan 4ply wool and was really happy with the result.

I have also knitted some socks for a gift. I used lovely Jaegar 4ply Matchmaker wool yarn in pink and they were lovely. I also made another pair of 'Fetchings' in a double knit sock yarn in shades of blue, cream and beige. I'm really annoyed with myself as I took no photos before I gave them.

Mystery Theme Swap

2007-11-01T08:42:00.000Z

My Theme Swap partner Judy sent me a great package which arrived yesterday.

What my parcel contained, yarn, rock cd, knitting needles, magazine, tattoos, stickers, book lover's knit, a toy car, lovely card.

Beautiful Koigu merino yarn and GGH 'Apart'

Tattoos and stickers

The theme she chose for me 'Rock Star', because of my interest in rock music. When I opened it there were 2 cards one of which was to be opened first, and when i did lots of great glittery stars fell out to surprise me. 'Rock star for a day'! Lovely presents, Judy.

Diesel and Unleaded!!!!!!!!!! A Warning

2007-10-30T21:55:00.000Z

Ever have one of those days? I just can't seem to get my knitting projects done! That's the story for the moment so I just did not need what happened today. It was an incident waiting to happen too, and it would happen to me. I put unleaded petrol into my DH's DIESEL car. ( my car takes unleaded). OH MY GOD what a thing to do. Luckily (if you call it lucky) I realised it half way through the fill. I was on my way home from visiting my Mam and stopped for petrol, I mean diesel. Well for anyone who's interested this takes ages to remedy. Firstly I had to contact insurance co, then they advised at least a two hour wait for a tow truck, next tried my local garage near home and from where the car was purchased and they were very helpful,but I still had to wait, and the tow truck would only take the car to the nearest dealer, so that meant a hire car also!! to take me home. You see the tank will have to be drained and this takes time, obviously. We'll deal with the cost tomorrow.
All in all, it took almost three hours from the time of filling to the time of delivery of car via tow truck to the garage.

LESSON; NEVER PUT UNLEADED PETROL INTO A DIESEL TANK.

Me and Ravelry etc

2007-10-20T16:37:00.000Z

Intermittent blogging for me lately. I've had a very busy time for the last 2 months, and so have not had my mind on blogging. Have been doing some knitting, photos later, but only small projects which is only using tiny pieces from my stash. Thanks to Isobel and Diane who suggested 'flashing your stash' a while ago, I had to look the stash in the eye and feel guilt ridden for having so much and so little time to do anything with it. And then I won and got a cake of beautiful Rowan yarn to add to the stash!!!!

My daughter had her debs at the beginning of September, DH graduated with his BA in Psychology, then my Mam took sick and so no knitting much

Then on Thursday last, I got my invitation to Ravelry. Oh my God what am I going to do with this? Now fellow bloggers I've copied you all in setting up the blog in the first place and I've really enjoyed it, so I just had to apply also to join Ravelry. Hopefully this will be a smooth ride for me, cos I'm not great at organising myself computerwise. So girls you may even hear a few screams through the blog, should I get frustrated. How long would I need realistically to get myself organised on Ravelry? Advice please!!

POLICE

2007-10-11T13:08:00.000Z

I was at the Police concert at Croke Park, Dublin last Saturday night. It was amazing and the band really were good. They played all their old numbers and even updated 'jazzed up' some of them, which I really enjoyed, though I've heard a few complaints that they did. However if you can't move with the times,nobody will listen.

Guitar playing by Andy Summers was amazing, drumming by Stewart Copeland was great, but for me the guitar playing and the voice of Sting really does it. He looks great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! His looks, his figure (oh if I could look like that, female version of course) in skinny jeans.

A night of pure rock enjoyment. You can see I'm besotted. ( however i would take a seat rather than stand in future)

Some knitting and no stash enhancement

2007-10-01T17:09:00.000Z

Some hats I've knitted for the Simon community for Irish knitting week which takes place this month. A good way to use up some of your stash if you have the time.

Thankfully I could not add to my stash while in Wexford recently. This was the state of the Wool shop. I think its been derelict for years by the look of it. I have been doing some other knitting lately. But no photos yet. Perhaps in my next posting.

Meanwhile don't depend on filling your stash in Wexford town!!

Weekend in Wexford

2007-09-26T19:50:00.000Z

Just spent last weekend in Gorey in Co Wexford with DH and four friends. We stayed in a great hotel and between great company and great food/drink we all really enjoyed ourselves. Added to that was glorious weather, warm, dry and sunny!!

The morning sun on the sea from the little pier at Cahore point. Idyllic.

A view inland from the same pier. Could have stayed here for a week.

DH's Tart tatin, dessert after a really delicious meal on Saturday night.

And my sticky toffee pudding which was absolutely yummy. And what about the presentation? All of our food at this meal was beautifully presented.

Overall we had a truly lovely weekend and am looking forward to the next. (goodness knows when)

My stash

2007-09-18T13:40:00.000Z

This photo is of some of the stash taken from the back

Same stash from the front.

And all these little bits and pieces are taken on the trunk which houses most of the stash.

I honestly had no idea that there was this amount of yarn here, it just goes to show that you need to keep track of your purchases.

I think I'll make a listing of what I have and the projects intended. Some of the yarns were such good bargains that I could not leave them behind. (That's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it)

BTW I forgot all about some sock yarn stored away somewhere else.

Here is my listing:

Marlen 6 x 100g Cotton/viscose mix

Pink Debbie Bliss Aran 4 x 50g Wool

Rowanspun DK 3 x 50g Wool

Sirdar Luxury Cotton 4 x 50g Cotton

Noro Silver Thaw 9 x 50g Wool/Angora/Nylon

Cotton sock yarn 2 x 50g Cotton

Kid Classic Rowan 1 x 50g Mohair/nylon

Craftspun Aran 1 x 100g Wool/Alpaca

Avoca cone beige/cream 1500g Cotton/linen

Avoca Chenille /blue 2 x 500g Cotton mix

Lidl cotton fuschia 3 x 50g Cotton/viscose

Bamboo Beige 3 x 100g Bamboo/cotton

Avoca green cone 1 x 400g Cotton

Avoca 4ply cream 1 x 500g Cotton

Coloured Cone 1000g Avoca mixed fibres

Large coloured cone 1500g ?

Cotton top 3 x 100g Cotton/wool

2 balls sock yarn 2 x 50g Wool/cotton

Kidsilk Haze burgundy 2 x 25g Kid mohair/silk

" grey 1 x 25g "

Nashua 1 x 100g wool/alpaca

Rowan 4ply cotton 1 x 50g cotton

Sirdar white cotton 1 x 50g "

Wendy cream cotton 1 x 50g "

Blue cone 600g Cotton

4 cones lilac 600g "

2 Phildar green 2 x 50g Cotton/acrylic

Just Bamboo 1 x 50g Bamboo

Alpaca 4ply 1 x 50g Alpaca

That's it for now. I know there are a few more, but I now better hide them quick from the guilt I feel myself. I have no listing for the intended projects yet.

'Speedos' - saving money for the taxpayer?

2007-09-02T17:30:00.000Z

I've been so busy lately and have not had time to blog. Will get back to it shortly. In the meantime: Once again - Prague.

While enjoying a coffee in a riverside cafe, our notice was drawn to some repairs being made to the river wall with some very heavy granite blocks. There were three men working on this task, the 'boss' the man 'dressed' in what look like 'Speedo' swimming togs and open toed sandals. This man was older than the other men and the example he was setting was less than safe. Imagine if ...............................

A large crane was lifting the blocks from another barge and these men were directing where it should be placed.

Mind your toes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! as well as......................................

Now safely landed but not quite in the final position.

This work made for some interesting viewing while having our coffee.

Could our government save money on Health and Safety in the workplace by supplying Speedos and sandals instead of safety clothing and hard toed shoes?

Yarn stash from Prague

2007-08-17T08:08:00.000Z

Did I find any yarn shops in Prague? Well I found two of the three recommended by http://www.alltangledup.com/. (her posting of Jan 17th 2006). I googled Prague yarn shops before I left and this blog came up. It was very informative and the directions and addresses were good. Anyway I took a morning to myself and found these two: GALANTERIE and MAR LEN.

Galanterie was a small drapery shop, quite old fashioned by our standards and they had a selection of yarn on half of one wall, and most of it was on sale, however when I chose some their stock was so low that I could only get 2 balls of one yarn and 3 balls of another. It was an amusing experience as I had no Czech and neither of the two ladies had any English.

I moved on then to Mar Len which is like an Aladdin's Cave. At first I thought there was no yarn as when I entered the shop there were the most beautiful array of fabrics, lots of silks, tapestries, etc, lots from the East. Then I spied the Yarn walls. Two short walls of yarn. Lots and lots of it. Some of it man made fibres but lots of cotton, silk and viscose mixes. I really had to restrain myself. Both from space in my bag and space at home. Its ridiculous the temptations that force themselves on me in the way of yarn. Anyway I bought it!

This is the only yarn I bought in MarLen. The colour is a bit bright in the photo, but its lovely shades of beige and cream and I bought enough to make a cardi for me. Its 60% cotton and 30% viscose and 10% acrylic.

These two balls of cotton I bought in Galanterie and I think I will make socks from it. Its 100% cotton and very soft

Now my big disappointment! The shop only had these three balls of this really lovely soft Bamboo yarn. Its a lovely shade of cream with slight biege flecking. Its 80% bamboo and 20% cotton.

The complete Prague stash which cost me only 20euro!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So cheap one wonders why yarn is so expensive over here.

Summer Garden Flowers

2007-08-17T08:05:00.000Z

We had relatives for dinner recently and my s-i-l brought me these gorgeous flowers from her garden. These had flowered despite the rain!

'Relaxing' in Starbucks

2007-08-05T14:07:00.000Z

I don't usually go to Starbucks, as I prefer other coffee houses in Dublin, but this morning having parked the car, in the pouring rain, myself and DH went into Starbucks on Dame Street. The queue was short, but seating was limited and so we found ourselves around the back on two armchairs, facing two couches, one directly opposite to our seats. On each of the couches was one male individual. Age does not matter but both were old enough to know better. And I'm not sure if they were together. We paid no attention to either, but as we enjoyed our coffee, the person opposite proceeded to untie and then take off his trainers, leave them on the floor and then sprawl his two legs across the length of the couch. Disgusting I thought, until the other guy proceeded to untie his trainers, and not only did he take off his trainers, but after a minute or two his socks. Now he did not put his feet up on the couch.!!
When another seat became free we moved, and then looked around and noticed that the soft seating is very shabby and dirty, as also was the carpeted area. I won't be heading here for coffee again, as there really are much better coffee places around town. And this is the very first time I've seen anyone take shoes off and put them on a couch in a cafe. A waitress did pass a few times and took a look, but did not do anything. She took away the used cups from them, and the look she was given would turn milk sour.
So much for a relaxing coffee on a really wet morning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just a few more photos of Prague

2007-07-30T20:41:00.000Z

I promise I won't bore you all any more. These are the last pictures I'll post of Prague for now. I'm just too lazy to write anything at the moment, and my knitting is slow too. I think its a combination of post holiday blues and making the most of the dry weather we've been having this week. My next post will have some knitting and pictures of the yarn that I bought in Prague!! (not a lot).

Hradcany Castle Prague.

2007-07-30T20:24:00.000Z

St Vitus Cathedral within the grounds of Hradcany (the castle district) in Prague. This is an absolutely fascinating building with beautiful stained glass windows. On the exterior it is Gothic in style and there are many carvings and statues all around, many of very peculiar gargoyles.

This is the view from the top of the spire. It is well worth the climb of 300 steps, which was very arduous as it was so crowded and hot. But the view!! Amazing.

And this is the front door of the same cathedral.

One of the many courtyards within the castle. Highlights on the hour are the changing of the guards.

Sunshine - in Prague

2007-07-28T12:09:00.000Z

Just back from a few days holiday in the beautiful city of Prague. Here are a few pictures. Will write a bit later. Just enjoying the little teeny bit of sunshine here in Ireland while I can.

These particular ones were taken either inside the castle area or the view from the top. Glorious sunshine!!

'Chocolate Waterfall'??

2007-07-18T08:57:00.000Z

These are views of Glenmacnass Waterfall between Sallygap and Laragh, Co Wicklow. So much rain has fallen in the last few weeks in Ireland that the waterfall and indeed the river is chocolate brown. I have visited this waterfall many times in my life and never have I seen the water this colour even in the winter. It usually is a lovely sight with creamy white froth flowing over the rocks so I was really taken with the colour of it.

This is the river at the top of the waterfall before it goes over the rocks and down into the valley below.

These pictures should ideally be at the top of this post, but 'Blogger' won't let me do it no matter what I do!! So they will have to be viewed out of order!

A Little Sunshine

2007-07-18T08:36:00.000Z

On Sunday last we had a little bit of sunshine, so we took a drive to Co Wicklow. We visited the lovely Mount Usher gardens in Ashford, near to Wicklow town. We had a great take away lunch from the little bakery, run by Avoca and it was really delicious.

I found this little ladybird basking in the sunshine!

Some waterlilies in a little pond to the side of the river

In the palm garden, found this 'totem pole'! Because the bottom part of this palm plant had been trimmed, I thought it looked just like a totem pole.

Unusual shaped tree with great weeping branches

A view up the river from near the bottom of the gardens. Beautiful Acer trees with the red foliage. If you look really carefully to the right of the picture beyond the gate, you might see the artist at work. What a great place to spend the afternoon painting.

5oth Posting!

2007-07-11T13:37:00.000Z

For my 50th posting I have just finished two felted bags. This one is for myself and is from Rowan Felted Collection. I knit the main part in Rowanspun DK and the strap and pocket in Rowanspun Aran. I ran out of DK yarn so had to order the Aran on line as this is a discontinued range. However I am very pleased with the bag. I lined it in a fat quarter of Kaffe Fasset fabric which I have had stored for a couple of years.

Next up is a bag for my daughter G. This is a pattern I worked out myself and is knitted in the Rowanspun Aran which I had left over from my own bag, and the striping is a skein of Noro Kureyon which was in my stash and again the lining is from my own store and also Kaffe Fasset's. The badges I bought at Paperchase in Border's.

My own bag felted well at 40C but G's bag took two felting attempts at 60C. Its amazing how Yarns differ when felted.

I can't believe that I have posted 50 times. Little did I think when I set this blog up that I would still be blogging. I really love it, but the most enjoyable is blog reading. It's so addictive, one could easily spend hours just reading. I have met so many great people also in 'blogland' and can really indulge in all the knitting blogs and sites to get great patterns and tips.

Congrats. And a musical evening

2007-07-02T07:33:00.000Z

On Saturday, my DH (www.prendoponder.blogspot.com) (I'm sure he will start blogging again soon now that he has the time) got the results of his Arts degree, which he studied arduously for over a period of 6 years, extracuricularly. And he got a 1st class hons in it too. Well done!!! and Congratulations to you.!!!

Yesterday, July 1st was very showery and grey in the afternoon. Spent a lovely morning in the city , having delicious coffee and chocolate and a nice lunch. Then home, intending to sit out in the garden a while, but rain forbade it and so to the couch and some tv. Well a great treat was in store - concert for Diana. While I did not see it all, what I did was really good and uplifting. I really love music. Tom Jones, Bryan Ferry, Take That, P Diddy, Elton John, Rod Stewart were all brilliant. Andrew Lloyd Weber and the excerpts from his many wonderful musicals by artists such as Donny Osmond, Jason Donovan, the new 'Joseph' Lee Mead, Sarah Brightman, Andrei Boccelli, etc and all those I have left out, made for a great musical evening. Sorry to all my neighbours who may have heard the loud music coming from my house! Nothing like good music to lift the spirits.