Unexpected November Knitting Challenge

 A couple of years ago, I sent Steph some money and asked her to get George an Easter Egg on our behalf [no sense in posting a chocolate egg across the country] She got one with its own dinosaur. The egg was eaten and forgotten, but the toy became George's favourite, and named "Teddy Dinosaur"

The day before we left Cornerstones, Steph said George said TD would like a Christmas Outfit got TD, and she wondered if Grandma could make one.

I took red and white wool, needles and a tape measure. On Thursday after school, George helped me measure TDs chest and head. I showed him how to make a tiny pompom by winding woool found a kitchen fork.

He went to bed and I sat up late making a jumper, with Xmas 🎄 tree on the front, and a little pompom hat. Which was good, because he announced he'd like to take it in to Show&Tell on Friday.

His teacher said his S&T went well. And on Saturday we had a 4th birthday party for TD, playing musical statues, eating homemade cupcakes, and generally having a lot of fun. The boys made a birthday banner and a card.

We all slept very well Saturday, being completely exhausted!!

Being Consistent

I've always felt that it is important to be consistent when working with children. It is not fair to them if you are frequently changing the rules, or acting one way one day,and differently the next. We have tried to keep to the boys' regular routine in Manchester

Cuddles.and stories in the morning and at bedtime, teeth-cleaning, please&thankyous, etc etc. And they have responded well and been a delight to look after.Now we are in London with Rosie and Jess, and doing our best there. 

But I wish to have a rant about child safety equipment. Why do they apparently make no attempt whatsoever to be consistent?

Why do the manufacturers of buggies, carseats, and stair gates choose such a diverse range of mechanisms?

I just get used to unfolding the double buggy, when I have to operate the single one in Manchester, which is quite different from the one in London....

Then there are the car seats, front facing,rear facing, isofix, not isofix...

And stair gates that must be clicked or squeezed or lifted [possibly one handed as you are carrying a baby]

And we persevere, because we take our role as grandparents very seriously.

As Bob was reminded in IKEA on Monday, with great power comes great responsibility. 

We are gradually getting to grips with it all, as we stay in our daughters' homes - including learning to use a piece of kitchen equipment which many busy young Mums find indispensible nowadays...

It's challenging, abd tiring looking after children [more so as we get older] but it is truly a privilege to spend time with them.

Steph and Gaz are home safely now, after a brilliant 40th birthday celebration holiday. 

Hanging On The Telephone...

 My phone rings, and "Becky"* is calling. The conversation goes thus

A    Hello Becky
B    Hello is that Angie?
A    Err, yes  

[nobody calls me Angie]
B     Angela from Church?
[now I'm suspicious, the Becky I know doesn't go to church...]
A     Yes, um, who are you exactly?
B    I'm Becky from church
A    Which Church?

B    St Philips

[Where on earth is St Philips?]  

A    I'm Angela from Foulsham Baptist Chapel

B    Where's that then?

A    Norfolk

B    Are you sure?

[of course I'm sure]

A    Positive. 

What was your name again?

B    Becky Snowflake

 [Ahh, I remember...]

A    Ah! right, that Becky - you used to come to Alison's choir at our Church in Dorset

B    Yes I did, in Ferndown

A    My husband was minister, but we retired 3½ years ago

B    Oh, was he a very tall guy called Bobby? 

[nobody calls him Bobby]

A     That's right. I'm his very short wife

B    You're not the Angela I thought you were

[there's no answer to that, is there?]

A    Well never mind. I have to go. I'm rather busy. 

God bless you. Goodbye!

B     Good bye then 

[she hangs up]

What a crazy conversation 

[*names changed to protect the confused.I've deleted this Becky from my contacts]

PS thank you for kind words about Julian's appearance on Countdown. We are so proud of him 

Double Meanings, Getting Out Of Control

It was Rosie who started this train of thought. There are so many ordinary everyday words which can be interpreted in two ways.  

Like saucer is a piece of china or a UFO

And mouse can be a small animal or part of your IT equipment

I'm sure you can think of lots of other examples. 

Then I came across two very odd, totally unconnected pairs of things which share names. And involve the word control

I can tell Alexa to switch on the bedroom light if my hands are carrying a large laundry basket.

The Bosch company has a system for your whole house, called Light Control with a neat little box managing all your domestic  illumination. 

But if you are in Marks and Spencer, they have a range of "shapewear lingerie" also called Light Control. Like these Light Control Lace Cycling Shorts [no, I don't have a pair!] 

But bizarre though this term with two very different interpretations is, this next one made me laugh out loud in the discount store... 

I mean, I saw this kitchen item, and thought of the tank engine's friend

I bet you thought of him too! 

If you're into wordplay, and watch Countdown, our Julian should be on today's edition

I

My Prayer For This Month

This weekend up in Manchester caring for the boys, then midweek, down to London to look after the girls. This prayer is very apposite. [And Lord, please look after both sets of parents as they travel abroad, and bring them home safely]

Everybody Needs Good Neighbours...

 Today is the United Nations Day Of Tolerance [first celebrated in 1996]

I'm not aware of ever being involved in events marking this day, neither in schools or in churches

But it seems a very good idea... 

After all, the Good Book reminds us we have a duty to love our neighbours, doesn't it? However different they are from us. 

And we have a duty to be good role models for those who look up to us

The Future's Bright, The Future's Orange

 That slogan is thirty years old. Do you remember it...

I've harvested the last of my lovely orange carrots from the raised bed. They have been delicious. I also took out the remaining chard  and salad leaves and made a big batch green soup to portion and freeze. Warm lunches for cold days... 

The Bone Cancer Research Trust sent me a thank you card, and bright orange tee shirt. I continue to knit at least 30 minutes a day, often more. And there are lots of satsumas and easy peelers in the shops, a favourite snack. And those orange autumn leaves are everywhere...

The Future's Bright 

Close Parking

The first thirteen properties in the close have dropped kerbs, a drive with space for at least one car to park off-road AND a garage. We are fortunate to be on the corner [round the bend !] and so we have plenty of space. The remaining ten have no vehicular access, but at the end of the Close there is access to their 10 garages - two rows of five. Built in 1973 they are rather small, and 80‰ of them do not contain cars The turning area at the end of the Close will take half a dozen cars parked perpendicular to the pavement, and residents often double park. It is mayhem at weekends, and when the bin lorries, tankers full of heating oil, grocery deliveries, ambulances or hearses arrive they often struggle to get out again. And such vehicles come most days. 

From my kitchen window I see all the cars parked in front of Cornerstones. I did a double take one day this week

They were actually touching! These belong to the members of the same family. 

Two days later, another family member added his car. Three in a row, bumper to bumper. 

Their mobile catering van takes up 1½ spaces at the end of the Close. When these bungalows were built nobody envisaged ordinary families having more than one small car. 

Fortunately I'm not too bothered by all this. Other residents write regularly to complain to the Parish Council. 

When neighbours ask why I'm not complaining about the cars outside my home, I politely explain that I do not own that space. And if I were living in a Victorian property in Manchester or London the parking situation [and 24 hour passing traffic] would be infinitely worse. 

I am grateful for my home, and my car. Romans 12 verse 18 has wise advice for those seeking to be good neighbours 

Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody.

Thassa Lud A Squit*

During half term  Rosie  and I were walking through the village when we encountered two good ol' Norfolk characters deep in conversation. One of them had a sack barrow on which was strapped an ancient black Remington typewriter. If my granddaughter didn't know about saucers, I wondered if she knew about old technology. "This is a typewriter, Ro, I've got one too - years ago before computers and printers, we used these to make lists,and write letters and things". The barrow guy said he'd just sold this one and was on his way to deliver it.

I told him about my Remington, nearly 100 years old. He said he loved these ancient machines, and had quite a few. "Tom Hanks, the film star, is a Typewriter Collector too" I said. 

"Oh I know that. He asked me to be his British agent,but I said I was too busy"  I said nothing, but inside I pondered... 

Honestly? TH asked you and you said No?

Why would you turn down an offer like that from TH? He seems an all round good guy [and a multimillionaire] I was not altogether convinced of the veracity of his statement. 

I was too polite to join in their Norfolk mardling and say "Thassa Lud A Squit!" 

Rosie and I said goodbye, and walked home talking about other stuff. But I did fetch the portable down from the loft to show her. I ordered, and fitteds replacement ribbon, and now it is working well again, with black and red ink. 

These machines seem quite valuable, if you check them out online. I wonder if TH would like to buy it? Oh if only I could find someone with his contact details....

[*Norfolk dialect "That is a load of rubbish!"] 

Steeples, Spires And Stamps

Royal Mail 2024 Christmas stamps went on sale last week. I send very few cards these days - but I always buy a sheet of the 2nd Class stamps to last me through the year [I have seven left from last Christmas!] Like the reformed Ebenezer Scrooge "O keep Christmas in my heart, and honour it all year" It is fun sending Xmas stamps on a letter in June.

These stamps feature 5 British Cathedrals - I have been in three of them - Edinburgh, Liverpool and Westminster. One day I shall get to Armagh and Bangor, perhaps

The promotion says
"These special stamps are a reminder that for centuries past, cathedrals have provided sanctuary, community, joy and wonder at the birth of Christ. And they continue to do so today, standing at the very heart of our cities.
All the UK’s cathedrals will be open over Christmas, ready to welcome people of all faiths and none. For services, prayer and celebration, to find peace, or to enjoy the splendour of their music, architecture and treasures, visit a cathedral this Christmas!
Cathedrals are a hugely significant part of our cultural heritage and play an important role in local communities. They also offer space for peaceful reflection and a bit of an escape from the challenges of daily life, which can be especially important at Christmas."

St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh was designed by Victorian architect George Gilbert Scott
Worship has taken place on the site of St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh since the 5th century
Westminster Cathedral is the largest Roman Catholic church in England and Wales and the seat of the Archbishop of Westminster
Liverpool Cathedral was consecrated in 1924 but not completed until 1978 - Britain's largest cathedral.
St Deiniol's Cathedral in Bangor was where St Deiniol established his Celtic monastery in the 6th century

Penzance based artist, Judy Joel, was chosen last year to produce these stamps, in her characteristic naive style. Her artworks have been sold all over the world, for 50 years. Specialising in commissions of ‘life stories’, weddings, houses, and gardens, Judy also enjoys painting local Cornish scenes and scenes of her favourite pastimes and fondly remembered places. Every picture features her white-haired Mum and a little dog.
Having met Robin Carter last month, I feel I have a better understanding of the work of stamp illustrators now.
Do you like these stamps? I think they are quite fun [but I did like last year's angels. I may ask Steph, our local postmistress, if she has any angels left...]

Stick To Your Saucepans, Jamie!

Jamie Oliver has published around two dozen cookbooks. I have borrowed most of them from the library and enjoyed them. But his latest attempt at pen-to-paper has seriously come a cropper. Penguin just published his children's book "Billy and the Epic Escape" - and within hours have withdrawn it from sale. Oops! The problem is that it features an Australian First Nations girl, and there are lots of serious errors [maybe 'cultural bloopers' is a kinder term] which have caused many people to be offended and very upset.  JO is in Oz at the minute, promoting his new cookbook, and is now spending his time apologising profusely [and presumably cancelling promotions for the  children's book]

I'm not defending him. I'd be annoyed if Donna Hay wrote a children's book featuring a girl from Norfolk, full of distorted stereotypes and loaded with incorrect dialect words.[not that she ever would]  It must be infinitely more annoying/distressing/patronising/worse for the indigenous peoples. And I am frustrated that Penguin Books were so careless about their editing procedures. Who read Jamie's manuscript and thought 'hey, this is good!' - his cookbooks go through strenuous vetting to check for errors in recipes, ingredients,method etc. But that doesn't mean his work of fiction is faultless!

I am getting heartily sick of 'celebs' who churn out children's books, to be sold simply on the strength of their name. Who can forget Sarah Ferguson's "Budgie the Helicopter"? Keith Richards "Gus and Me", or Julie Andrews "Mandy" [Oh wait, many of us already have] 

Having had to read David Walliams "Demon Dentist" to my class [and improve the English as I went along-I couldn't bring myself to read some of his sentences aloud] I cannot see why DW was flavour of the year in so many academies. Just because you can act, cook, sing, or be married to a Royal, it doesn't mean you can write!

Furthermore, there are a lot of struggling young authors out there who deserve a chance, a space on the book table at Waterstones this Christmas. If they are good, then their career may take off. And they want to do this for a living,not as a lucrative sideline.

Here are seven contemporary children's authors who have made it. And who have made it their business to encourage children both to read, and to try and write for themselves. These are favourites in my family, and some have been on my list for many years. There are others - but I cannot include them all - feel free to add yours in the comments. And 6 of these are still very much alive and kicking. [age in brackets]

• Michael Morpurgo [81]  A cracking storyteller, and a good man doing so much for under privileged children
• Nick Butterworth [78]  Back in 1970 I met one of his student friends who told me that NB was going to be a great illustrator, and I should look out for his books. I have at least 6 of them!
• Jacqueline Wilson [78] She is great fun, and her characters are believable. She's helped girls to be true to themselves and have confidence.
• Julia Donaldson [76] the A-Z of readable books - from A Squash and A Squeeze, to Zog, by way of the amazing Gruffalo [which Jess appears to know by heart already]
• Mick Inkpen [71] Four million books sold [I love Percy the Park keeper] Like NB above,[and me] he was born in Romford. And his Dad Stan was friends with my Dad [also Stan] in Boys' Brigade in the 1930s!!
• Rob Biddulph [52] The youngest on my current list - but what a great guy. A true encourager of young readers, writers and artists. With practical tips on his website. Peanut Jones a definite heroine [thank you Rosie for introducing me to this author's work] Here's hoping Rob produces great books for many years like the guys above
• Jill Murphy [sadly died in 2022, aged 72] Rosie loves the Worst Witch, I am happy with Five Minutes Peace [in every sense]

Stick to writing recipes, and campaigning for better food, Jamie - these are the things you are good at.

Wearing Our Poppies...

We are going to the Parish Church in our village today. The chaplain from the Army Camp is leading the service. In the churchyard is an area full of War Graves. [the camp was an RAF airfield  in WW2]

We will remember those who died in war then, and we will pray for peace now. 

Weekend Round-Up

What a crazy week...

MONDAY -Bob's birthday. A lovely day, ending with a meal out at Cote Brasserie in Norwich. I love my ear-rings [they were Gill's] but not happy with my straggly hair

TUESDAY - Dentist Visit. New tooth and scale and polish from the hygienist. Smiling a lot! Watched the voting on and off all night.

WEDNESDAY - I was invited to join some of the local Mothers' Union for Communion followed by coffee and cake. More on that later [not mentioning the US election result]

Bob had very positive session at the Medical Centre*

THURSDAY - last minute change of plans, asd I was due to meet a friend in Norwich and she broke her wrist. Went into the city anyway, and had a haircut

FRIDAY- Volunteer Visiting at Hospital. Will miss the next 2 Fridays due to Grandparent duty

* this was his regular blood test etc to monitor his diabetes. Thrilled to report he is doing really well. His better eating habits resulting in ongoing weight loss, have made a significant difference. The Practice Nurse was very pleased with him. Pilates is helping the back issues, although one ankle is taking a bit longer to heal.

I have been doing a lot of knitting, as I know I shall not manage so much in the next couple of weeks. In the first 7 days, I exceeded 900minutes [30 x 30] And my generous sponsors- online and in person, have pledged over £450. I am so grateful for their support.

I hope you have had a good week too

All Ads Up

We are into November, Hallowe'en is over [Hallelujah!] and now the Christmas ads are appearing thick and fast. Some better than others
Waitrose is bringing out a series of ads, entitled Sweet Suspicion. prepared by Saatchi and Saatchi, with a star studded cast led by Matthew McFadyen. I'm reserving judgement till the denouement!. I'm not that keen on the M&S clothing one. Many ads feature animated characters [Asda's Gnome of Christmas, Sainsbury's BFG, Aldi's Keven the Carrot etc] I do not expect any Barbour garments in my stocking, but their ad, starring Shaun the sheep is good fun 

You may or may not like Amazon, but their ad reminds us that a loving gift given thoughtfully can bring so much extra blessing. [John Lewis would probably say knowingly]

And Lidl remind us that if we are blessed, we should share the Christmas blessings with those less fortunate. 

Do you have a favourite ad this year? 

Hand-Me-Gowns

Bob's father was such a generous Grandad. He always gave the girls such thoughtful gifts, often pjs and dressing gowns [as well as lovely books]. I kept the red 'Mickey Mouse' dressing gown from the 1980s. And when Rosie started having sleepovers at Cornerstones, it became a favourite garment. She wore it after her evening bath when she snuggled up for bedtime stories, and often again in the morning to eat Grandad's famous breakfast pancakes

But last week, we passed another family milestone - both girls came for a sleepover. So now Rosie has moved on to the larger red dressing gown [towelling, with a hood] and Jess wore the Mickey Mouse gown. To be honest, both garments currently have plenty of "growing room" and I shall have to hem the smaller one for Jess [its a bit of a trip hazard - note how she lifts the hem 'like a princess'] . But how they both loved donning them when they got out of the bath.

"You can be Mummy Liz, and I can be Auntie Steph!" announced Jess the next morning, as we had breakfast. Jess was so excited about her first proper Grandad Pancake Breakfast.

They slept beautifully in the big double bed in the back bedroom, without any fuss. 

If the Tudors could pass on clothes down the generations [and also Damien Lewis], I don't see why we shouldn't! 

 

When You're Smiling...

At last all the dental treatment is completed [and paid for] My implant is in place, and I look forward to better eating experiences in the days ahead. I am not planning any more visits to the dentist till after Easter. 

Another bit of good news - my new satnav system took me on a different route, which was much better than either of the other two routes I've used in the past. Win-win!

I arrived in really good time and actually got my day's 30 minutes of knitting done before my appointment. 

Typing this at 5.30am, having been curled up in an armchair all night watching the "Race to the White House", drifting in and out of sleep. Right now it's looking very much like Trump has won. Not the result I was hoping for. Praying that whatever the final outcome, there will be no civil unrest in coming days. 

Autumn Stitching

My latest CoverStory Parcel arrived on Saturday morning [thanks K]

There was a cute little book of ideas for hand-stitched felt, a postcard with news and chat, the notebook explaining Kirsten's October stitching - and then, wrapped in tissue, the stitching itself.

Beautiful Autumn leaves, worked on Corinne LaPierre felt. Neat

Applique
All sorts of stitching, backstitch, stem stitch, French Knots etc. Behind the three leaves are trailing vines.
The bright red berries are pops of colour bringing extra life to the piece.
And the use of the print fabric is so much more interesting than just a plain beige background. This is a superb piece! It sums up 'Fall' so well

I took my October inspiration from a piece of fabric which came in an 'inspiration' pack from the Emporium in Wymondham . Printed in orangey-peach it is reproductions of vintage advertisements. 

There are ads for face creams, watches, typewriters and "Lime Water" [this was a very popular remedy for dyspepsia, mixed with a little milk]

I thought the clocks going back made this a good piece to work on, but during the month, I had problems with heartburn, and also an unexpected chat about typewriters. So definitely the Fabric of the Month. 

I decided to use 'slow stitching' to outline some of the pictures. I used a variegated thread in autu colours [red, amber, gold, brown and green] and varied thickness using both 1 and 2 strands. I outlined the whole piece with tiny blanket stitch.

I enjoyed this one. Our piece if fabric is getting covered with patches- we may not have room for twelve as originally intended.
My November idea is still 'in my head' but I know it will be smaller and narrower when I do get it done! 
More info on my parcel to Kirsten here

I am plodding away at my November Knitting Challenge - and thrilled to have had so much support from friends near and far- thank you all

Happy Birthday, Bob!

This year has certainly had its ups and downs - lots of great family times and celebrations, good involvement with the community, but also health issues. Through it all you have remained cheerful and positive.
I was talking with Rosie about people who inspire us - and she mentioned a few famous characters [contemporary and historical] and then she said "and Grandad"
Have a happy birthday - we all love you so much! God bless you today and always

Take Comfort...

My apologies- only when I went to turn the calendar to November, did I realise I had not posted the October picture!
"The Lord Will Provide!" was something I remembering parents and grandparents quoting to me since I was a young child. I am nearly 70 now - and I can honestly say God always has provided what I have needed 
That's not necessarily all I have wanted or asked him for. I love that quote from Ruth Bell Graham [wife of evangelist Billy] "It is a good job Gopd does not always answer our prayers by giving us what we have asked for. Otherwise I should have married the wrong man ...several times!"

The Play's The Thing

Board Games are enjoying a surge in popularity. At my conference the other weekend,someone brought a stack of about 30 for people to try out. When a strategy game like"'Carcassonne" will set you back about thirty quid, you want to be sure you like it before you shell out you hard earned dosh. The trad games,like Scrabble, Monopoly etc retain their popularity. In the summer, we enjoyed Cluedo with Julian one evening.

But I want to flag up a excellent company which produces games for children - and it's based just a few miles away from here, in the Norfolk town of Wymondham [pronounced Windham by the way] 

There are quite a few of the Orchard Toys which are enjoyed in our family. Shopping List is suitable for 3-7 year olds, with 2-4 players. 

And a while back, I picked up Greedy Gorilla in a CS. You often see these boxed games going for a pound or two and they are worth getting.

The great thing about these games is that they avoid using plastic wherever possible - perhaps a few counters and a dice, but certainly not many little plastic bits to get lost!

Greedy Gorilla does need a battery though. Because as you turn over the cards, healthy foods go onto your playing board, but unhealthy stuff is fed to the gorilla, who then burps loudly! This makes the game very popular with small children.
Rosie's set has a flat battery - so on Saturday we all had to make our own burps [even more laughter]

You often see these games in Lidl and Aldi too - I got the Manchester boys a box of 3 dinosaur games in the summer.
When Liz and Steph were small, I tried to get them Ravensburger games, which were good quality, and designed to be enjoyable and educational. Orchard Toys are similar.

There are other benefits too 

• an excellent website, easy to find what you want, sorted by age and subject
• a blog with news and ideas
• lots of free downloadable printables
• a replacement service if parts do go missing, or you lose your instructions

This is a quite unsolicited recommendation - but in the run up to Christmas, if you have little ones to buy gifts for, please do take a look at this company. Their prices range from £3 stockingfillers to complex jigsaws  for £16 [designed for older children, these come with posters and fact books included in the box] Personally I'd rather buy something produced in Norfolk than shipped across the world. And I would rather sit round the dining table as a family playing a game than have everyone sitting playing on their own screens.