Catching up

I have been busy since my last blog post. Doing what, I hear 100 of you cry...doing what?

It hasn't involved housework, or crochet (although I have made a little progress on my first proper granny blanket, which I will blog about another time), or my freelance job.

It's my new obsession. I am truly addicted....

Kite surfing. Oh, I'm not doing it myself (Christ, I've seen myself in a wetsuit before and it ain't pretty - and that was before kids...)

It's just that I've never seen anyone do it before and it's incredible to watch. Look, I'm from Somerset. I do cider and tractors, not throwing myself 40ft in the air on a surfboard like some ocean fanatic at Bondi. My idea of sport as a teenager from the west country was snogging on haystacks. This kind of sport is way more extreme so I now go down to the beach most days and watch the dudes in action (OK and the fact they are pretty gorgeous too makes it more of an attraction.)

Look at this for heaven's sake:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYFoF5UIX0U

I heard the Princess tell the husband: "Daddy, guess what, Mummy and I were watching the kite surfers again today and Mummy was talking to one of them for AGES and he was ever so handsome in his wetsuit."

Awkward.

Anyway, so that's where I am been and everything has suffered as a result, except my kids, they love the beach life. But my cherry tree purchases are pathetic as a result. The weather is too fine to shop (although I saw a gorgeous old Singer sewing machine -with a turning handle- for £40 but had to walk away). Plus I can't sew and I don't have the time to learn right now so it wouldn't have been a wise purchase.

I did, however, buy this top for the Prince from the British Heart Foundation for £1.50. He loves it and looks quite dapper in it I think.

Tie AND braces, how swish

Defiant and sticking his belly out to rebel

We have had a very busy but wonderful Easter. My inlaws came to stay the first week, from Yorkshire. We took them to Brighton and they loved The Lanes, we lay in deckchairs on the pier and fell asleep after scoffing Easter biscuits, we had fish and chips on the beach, we hung out at my favourite cafe (which I've been to three times this week and really need to wean myself off) and ate and drank way too much as always.

Treasures from the cherry tree (did you see what I did there?)

An Easter biscuit? Oh go on then...

The Princess and Grandma

That is the husband's Converse and yes he was dozing

And yes that is ANOTHER Easter biscuit...

Then they went home and on Good Friday we went home to my parents in Somerset. It was my mum's birthday.

My sister took them out for lunch and we turned up and joined them for tea and cake in the local farm shop before all going back to theirs for the weekend. It was so lovely. I cherish my times with my family, the children love going home to Somerset and as always it went way too quickly.

I visited my grandparents' grave again, now that the headstone has been erected, and it was peaceful. They are nestled between daffodils and under a shady tree in the churchyard where I married the husband ten years ago, and my parents married 39 years ago. I find it comforting to visit them whenever I go home,  although it always feels very raw each time.

Playing in the grounds of where we married in 2002
and yes that is a cherry tree dress you spy!

My parents babysat on Saturday night so the husband and I went out for drinks and  he had the kids during the day so my mum and sis and I could spend the day shopping together. We pottered around a beautiful town near Bath, we stopped at a vintage fair, had afternoon tea, looked at the gorgeous little shops and I realised how much I miss them both when we aren't all together. My dad calls us The Coven. Hmmm!

Easter in Somerset:

I really love this pic of the Princess and "Ganny"

Picture courtesy of the Princess!

Simply not playing ball....

A lone dandelion crying out to be freed in the sky (which I missed!!!)

Then it all got silly. As always.

Here Prince, taste this lemon.....

Snigger!

Good night John Boy

The husband and the Prince and I steered clear for the photo!

It was so lovely to all get together - there was too much food, my mum is a true domestic goddess and always has been. She cooks and bakes everything from scratch and makes the most amazing carrot cake ever.

Here are two pictures that would have been lush if the Princess had managed to open her eyes! I gave up after two attempts as got impatient. After all, there were wind surfers to check out. But I love the way the wind is whipping her hair back and forth, so to speak.

Oh and on a final note the husband and the six other Superheroes raised more than  £2,500 for the Brittle Bone Society when they ran the Reading Half Marathon. Thank you so very much for the kind donations, it meant a great deal.

The husband is the Superhero Kick Ass, the green one!

I am very proud! Think they loved all the attention they got too.

Off lambing tomorrow if the weather holds. And Debs, if you are reading this, CAN you see me in the bath???!!! ;-)

What a complete beach...

Being at a lost end on a Friday afternoon when the kids break up early for Easter is LETHAL in this town. It means all the mums are kicking their heels and wondering what to do.
It then means one of the mums invites everyone to hers and it means everyone drinks Champagne and chardonnay all afternoon from 3.15pm onwards.
It also means I am now squiffy at 7.25pm and my typing is all to pot so I need to keep re-reading what I have written...just in case.
Eight children played in the garden while the mums all sat around the table sipping. Then slurping. It was like a cliche.  We were celebrating the fact our kids all got into the desired middle school. A good excuse.
Yesterday, I pulled an alcoholic tramp on the prom. He told me I had the loveliest smile he had ever seen. He was very drunk so it was hardly a compliment. At least I can still pull, I told myself, as I sauntered past him and flashed him another grin.
Now I feel like a true contender for his wife. All tipsy and ruddy and light-headed - but I have at least showered today...
And today is my anniversary of getting together with the Husband. Sixteen years ago tonight, we "copped off" (as he so politely puts it) in an indie nightclub in Oxford. The following day he came over to the house I shared and everyone was out so we spent all day (and I mean ALL day) snogging on the sofa.
Sixteen years seems such a long time. A milestone. Glad we've made it!
Anyhoo, this week has been pretty dire on the cherry tree front, I've been on the beach basking every day, like a leathered old hag. But thanks to the glorious Sarah at Shabby Chic Sarah, I now have this Ladybird book to add to my collection.

Thanks my shabby pal. 

See the reason I've not been cherry tree shopping is because the sun had his hat on all week didn't he?! So not only did I not set foot in an Oxfam, I also achieved NO house work.

No siree, I was way too busy strolling along the prom prom prom..

Resting my hot, weary (and scarily veiny) feet on the beach...

Can't get over how weird my feet look in this pic.

 Spending precious time watching the Prince adapt to his new life by the sea...

Reading my new library book by Jojo Moyes...

I am really enjoying this. Think it's going to be sad though

It's a quick choice seven day loan though. Pressure's on!

Setting the scene. A book, some peace, utter bliss.

 The Prince has had umpteen picnics this week too. But has eaten more sand than food (yet it's a mainly shingle beach)...

 I cooled those veiny feet in the sea, in a bid to make them look less veiny...

Everyone hates Crocs. But you know what?
I walk everywhere and they are very comfy so I couldn't care less!

And I have decided to try another giant granny square blanket. I have started a couple but never get far in before putting it down. This time I am going to mention that I am starting a new one in my blog, so that I will hopefully keep going with it. See how I get on. I am hoping it will motivate me a little.

The Blanket of Glory that Julie made me has become part of the family so I felt I needed to give it a sibling.

It will be finished when the Prince reaches puberty but hey ho!

We have been busy watching a few people brave the sea for the first time this year...

Took another pic of myself, like a weirdo, on the beach. The Prince lacks the essential photography skills you see, so I have no choice...

Coo-ee!

 On Wednesday, the husband had the day off, after working six days in a row (including the entire scorching weekend) so after school, we headed down to the beach. It was bliss. The kids went off and played and we sipped coffee in the blazing heat.

It hasn't all been fun of course. I've been fighting a virus for the past week - aching limbs, sore throat, sinus trouble and feeling drained. This means I missed Book Club which I was gutted about. Apparently they carried on til 2am (on a school night!) so it's just as well I didn't go.

I think a few early nights will sort me out.

Finally (still with me??? No? Oh......) the husband is running the Reading Half Marathon on Sunday, to raise money for the Brittle Bone Society, a horrible condition that one of my best friends was born with. Seven of them are running for the charity while dressed as Superheroes.

If anyone would like to sponsor these brave, good-hearted souls, please click on this link: http://www.justgiving.com/superheroes7  it really is a very good cause.

Not another Manic Monday

Only in my town can you find:

* A seagull shouting at a crow over a chip

* A scary tattooed obese man in a over-sized saggy tracksuit with shaved hair, whiskers and plenty of piercings...and then realise on closer inspection that it is actually a woman (let me tell you, my eyes were on stalks!)

* A leggy brunette with a sharp, glossy bob, wearing quite possibly the shortest skirt I've seen in a while...and then realise on closer inspection that it is actually a man (and this was ten minutes after seeing the lady above - I kid you not)

* A very fit shirtless surfer dude jogging past (and let me tell you, he was all man)

* A selection of the finest cherry tree shops I have ever come across

* OAPS whizzing past on their motorized scooters, gossiping and puffing on fags like they are going out of fashion

* A hungry seagull grabbing a bun from an even hungrier toddler's hand (thankfully not my toddler)

This place is growing on me. And not just because of the fit man. It's been an interesting seven weeks; not really forming friendships as easily as I thought I would, having no idea where to drive to the nearest supermarket, trying to remember where to go for the school run, standing in the park after school like a billy-no-mates, and sometimes (not always, but sometimes) feeling  unsure about what the hell we are doing here. It's been a roller coaster. I LOVE the sea but the other bits have taken a while to get used to.

But everyone who has relocated here has told me it takes at least a year to settle. I don't know why that is, but it's made me feel much better!

Today has been great. I left the house for the school run and was greeted by the neighbours on both sides (they are lovely, as is the wonderful Debs over the road....I know you are reading this, ha!) I then walked to school and recognised people on the way. After the school run I walked three miles to my favourite outdoor beach cafe and a jogger went past and said "Hi Gem!" and I felt a bit more like a local.

Was it just another Manic Monday? Hardly.  The Prince and I have spent ALL day on the beach. I haven't done a single chore and it feels gooooood.

Cherry tree top and bag (well, strap)

Overdid the sun cream on the Prince

My little beach boy

I do love the palm trees!

This makes my heart skip a beat. Eat your heart out Olly Murs,

 And it gets better. I found this book for 5p. FIVE WHOLE PENCE. I remember this book as a kid and got very excited.

So imagine my squeal when I unearthed these too. And I did squeal. A little too loud, some may say.

All of them. Five pence each. Oh my!

This one is the oldest from 1960.

Camera went blurry due to the sun cream I smeared on the lens. Whoops!

And I am thrilled that the bookworm gene has passed down to my lovely Princess. She has started keeping a diary and also I snapped a pic of her reading in the garden. Reading is such a wonderful past time and I hope this is something she will do for years to come.

Meanwhile the Prince was in the wooden playhouse singing the Harry Potter theme tune at the top of his lungs.

If only every day could be as lush as this. It's been the best Monday I can remember in a long time. And apparently the weather is staying put all week!! YIPEE!!!!!

Friday I'm in Love

I am currently having a blub while watching Sport Relief so have decided to write a new post by way of needing light relief. Right now my heart is heavy - I hate to watch children suffer. It makes me want to physically offer help, not just the cash donation. I often think that if I was single with no husband or kids, I would want to go to third world countries and help out - although it would without a doubt be terribly harrowing. We are so lucky here, we are blessed more than we know.

Onto more cheerful things, had a lovely lunch with Sarah at Annaboo's House today, round her gaff. Spring was definitely in the air and we had a great time. The kids played well together again too which was a bonus.

Yesterday, the husband had the day off (as he is working ALL weekend - yes, he will be in London while it is El Scorchio) so we popped to the beach after school. We live a 20 minute walk from the beach but it's 5 mins by car. We went to the cafe on the sea front. Just because we could. It was lush.

And just look what I spied. A complete work of art. Quite possibly the best attempt for Movember that I've ever seen in my entire life.

Isn't it awesome?! Dog looks embarrassed though...

I guess he actually puts rollers in....

I never tire of this view

Before he fell in a rock pool and got COMPLETELY sodden
(thank goodness for a spare change of clothes)

My lovely family

I treasure this view so much

My beauty

A perfect moment for a change!

Oh and this week I bought this vintage book from the Debra charity shop which I've just discovered. So cute and old fashioned.

OK, and possibly camp. But cute.

75p if you will......

 And I saw this book which was also 75p.

Fee, this reminds me of you!

And now I need to sleep. I feel pretty run down at the mo, very tired, sore throat and aching all over. Not good. Especially when I am in sole charge of the bairns all weekend. At least the sun will help!

By the way, I used to follow Shabbily By The Sea, any idea where she has gone??!!! Seems to have been deleted and her email was returned too. I hope she is still around, I LOVE her blog.

Weekend

The Prince fell in the sea last week. It wasn't ideal. We'd just ordered  lunch at the beach cafe. It was stressful. The Princess was screaming "he NEARLY drowned. I nearly lost my brother.....he could have died" in front of, like, the whole cafe.  

The Prince was screaming, mainly because of the Princess's dramatics, but also because he was sodden. He didn't want to go home so he ate wrapped in my cherry tree red coat.

 

Then we came home and the kids treated me to a football performance. Spot the Prince doing his pirate impression.

 I then went into the kitchen to clear up and when I came back, they were doing this. I am not proud...

Onto other things, I have found a lush cafe that is my regular haunt. The Prince loves the hot chocolate and the carrot cake is to die for.  The cafe is amazing. They had a crochet lesson just before I moved here and do loads of other events so I am keeping my eyes peeled.

It is definitely taking me a while to settle here but I am totally in love with the beach still. Just still finding my way - it is a BIG place compared to the little Berkshire village we left behind. I have pangs for everything and everyone but am just taking it one day at a time here.

We went away for the weekend to Oxford for my friend's 40th. It's where the husband and I met 16 years ago. We went to a pub in the old part and spent the afternoon reading the pub quiz book and testing each other. The husband won every round damn it.

Makeup less and full of scampi!

 I walked to the house that I first lived in when I moved to Oxford after training to become a journalist. I lived here for about a year, before meeting the husband.

I shared it with four blokes at one point.
That was hell. Pubes everywhere.

 It does seem a long time ago that I lived here. A different life. Albeit a great one. I lived in the box room (top left window). It was so small that I could touch all the walls, my parents couldn't believe a single bed would fit in there, but it did. Just. The husband and I had many a cosy night in there!

Then we went to the party. I had to give myself a stern talking to and remind myself not to overdo the cocktails as we were driving back early to spend Mother's Day with the children.

My "not too many cocktails" disappointed face

 Naturally I had a little more than I intended but definitely needed a little pick-me-up. You see, we had also visited a friend in hospital while in Oxford who has gone into remission after nearly dying of cancer at Christmas. It put life into perspective. He is now ill with an infection, is in the rehabilitation unit as can't walk and had his bowel removed; it was a very sorry sight.

So I wanted to make the most of my rare night out with the husband. Life really is too short.

Got home and the Princess had decorated the lounge for me and bought me some ceramic white doves from the White Company, also a lush bar of soap from the same place. Very sweet!

And re cherry tree shopping, it's been a damp squib recently. I only bought this for the Princess, as we will need to talk about the birds and the bees soon...

A Cherrytree treasure!!

I have a banging stressy headache tonight. And feel very worn out. Not helped by a face which appeared in front of mine at 5am demanding porridge this morning.

I need a rest. Big time! I feel low on energy and need to get that sorted out.