Taking Nothing For Granted

In honour of the phenomenon that is Smash

2011-10-19T07:12:00.001-07:00

Listening to the sounds associated with the football match going on outside my office window
Eating M&S's shortbread - one of the best around in my well informed opinion - got the waistline to prove how well informed I am!!!
Drinking tea - white no sugar. I am the proverbial tea jenny although my first drink of the day (at work) is a tall skinny latte - no sugar.
Wearing black sweater, black/grey long skirt, black patent pumps - standard winter workwear for me
Feeling glad to be over the hump of the week, glad my boy will be home for a long weekend on Friday
Weather is sooooooooo cold. From my office I can see a good covering of snow on top of Ben Ledi - looks like the forecasters got it right for once.
Wanting to be home, dinner finished, playing with my new Promarkers - love them.
Needing a big hug
Thinking about the phenomenon that is Pinterest and how it led me to type this post!
Enjoying the contract between the warmth of my office and the freezing wind and clear blue skies outside - simple things today.

TTFN

Gillx

What's Rocking Your Friday (and the Friday before that, and the Friday before that.........)

2011-08-19T05:50:00.001-07:00

Firstly a big grovelling apology for the lack of posting, and a complimentary drink of your choice because you're going to need it if you stick with this post to the end!!!

Beginning of June saw OH and I off to have tea with the Queen! My Head of School had nominated me to attend this year (my first ever nomination I hasten to add) amd I was lucky enough to be chosen to receive an invitation.

One particular entry in the Royal calendar reads thus: Each year, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh entertain around 8,000 guests from all walks of Scottish life at a Garden Party in the spectacular grounds of the Palace, which stands at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile. The guests enjoy tea in the gardens accompanied by music from regimental bands and The Royal Scottish Pipers Society. King George V and Queen Mary held the first garden party in the grounds of Holyroodhouse and the tradition has been maintained ever since.

The powers that be obviously didn't realise that they were inviting a scrapper (amd upsetting her) when they continued the ban on cameras and mobile phones. at least I know that we were there and have the posh letter of invitation to show for it (and the sore feet at the end of the day). The sun shone, it was a fabulous occasion for people-watching and, all in all, it was just a lovely afternoon which we'll long remember.

End od June saw the University's usual well-oiled machine taking over for four Graduation ceremonies. Of very great excitement to many although a little lost on me, was the conferment of an honorary University Doctorate on Sir Alex Ferguson. As an usher and met the man and found him very pleasant and down to earth and he gave a really good speech on behalf of the graduands on the merits of hard work, self-motivation and basically "got out there and use what you've worked for because no-one's going to do it for you!!". Not an elegant summary but you get the gist of it. And just for the benefit of the marvellous SusieJ here's the man on the day

July started off with major hospital visits for our darling boy and my mum at separate hospitals on the same day but with very different outcomes. Ross passed his eight month endocrine review with flying colours. Suffice it to say that his consultant (who's known hi since birth) was delighted to see a tall, lanky, spotty teenager walk into the clinic. For Ross it means that puberty has kicked in without the need for hormone replacement therapy assistance. We hope that he'll continue to produce sufficient to see him through puberty and out the other side bur he'll remain uder review for a few years yet. So three cheers for the boy!!

My precious mum, however, discovered on the same day that she needed to have at least part, if not all, of one of her kidneys removed. It came as a real shock to us all but the hospital staff have been great and are planning to carry out surgery at the beginning of September when she returns from Norway.

You may remember a few posts back that Ross was admitted to hospital and has been continuing to undergo tests as he continues to produce spectacular black urine. Well, he went back to Yorkhill in Glasgow at the beginning of August and met the renal team for the first time, the Haematologists having satisfied themselves that, from their side of things, there was no significant malignant cause for these symptoms despite proof that it is an ongoing and consistent feature. Long story cut short with the renal team - the bold boy will undergo renal biopsy in October once his Granny is safely over her procedure. The team at Yorkhill think it is just a really unfortunate coincidence with Granny and Ross and were able to reassure Granny about that as she had come with me to take Ross to the Renal Clinic. So now we sit and wait and keep everything crossed for Mum.

Mum's news certainly made me realise yet again how very precious she is to us all and I took the opportunity to arrange a wee treat for her. She got a new camera at Christmas and hadn't really had a chance to get to grips with it. While blog hopping a few weeks ago I noticed that Kirsty Wiseman was coming to Edinburgh to do a group photo lesson at the beginning of August so I duly booked Mum and I on it. Come the day the rain was chucking it down but we still had a fab day and we learned loads. The other girls were lovely and I managed to get a couple of decent shots but I really lovethis one of my mum and Kirsty. (Click on Kirsty's nameto get her account of the day!!

Kirsty took this one of mum and I. I really truly hate having my photo taken but here it is anyway!!

Spending so much time on appointments with Ross has meant that I've used up a great many holidays travelling to various parts of the country and not really had any time off with the opportunity to just do what I would have liked. However this week saw me off on holiday, no hospitals to visit, my baby's 14th birthday and Mum and Dad in Norway on their cruise of the fjords.

Here's my boy yesterday when we went down to the school to spend his birthday with him.

Create a free slideshow

To all the marvellous bloggers who make me smile, make me laugh, and give me inspiration - no names mentioned - too many to mention. Andthat reminds me, amidst the chaos and mayhem of recent months I have managed a very little crafting so have a peek at the slide show above. Some little books for our three Graduate Assistnats at work who leave us after two years of work and studying for their MSc's.

To the above mentioned Susie for keeping me supplied with sequels - time spent reading is my guaranteed shill time, Thanks again Susie, you're a star!

To my workmates who've put up with me in recent months when I've not been quite the little bundle and sweetness and light that I'd like to be.

To the various hospital staff supporting us all in recent months and in the months to come - there are no words.

Our darling daughter who at 15 seems to take everything in her stride, apparently going on the theory that if we tell her everything and always tell the truth then she's fine with it all. I love her to the sky and back and hope she knows it.

To the staff at Daldorch for ........... everything.

For the joy of BT Vision which let me record Twilight (despite owning the DVD) and the joy of sitting watching on on a Friday morning when I really should be doing "H" or "I" stuff but really can't be bothered - and to Alexandra for encouraging me LOL!!!

The joy of mum's homemade wholemeal bread, Lurpak and homemade bramble jelly and a big mug of tea - I seriously need to learn to become less high maintenance.

I'm sure there are many things I've forgotten but at the risk of boring you any further dear reader, I'll finish now.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope it's not another three months before my next post.

Rocking Your World Friday!

2011-06-23T03:03:00.001-07:00

Good morning all,

I am starting on this post mid-week in an effort to make a timely contribution by Friday. I am also aware that even on darker days there are small things which can make you smile despite everything else which goes on around you. For these things we should all be grateful.

Several weeks ago I read of Pinterest on a blog post and my curiosity was aroused. I now have a Pinterest account and love it! I make a point of making at least one daily addition and by pinning just one "thing" which makes me smile, I feel better so I give thanks for that! For other Rockers and Rockettes who are Pinterest devotees my boards are here. Also thanks to the great team at Pinterest who were swift to help when a glitch prevented me from adding/altering my boards.

I remain in awe of the mechanism that is internet shopping - love it. Not many recent purchases but they included a supply of Grungepaper, Craft Stamper magazine and a white Zig pen which had long been on my wishlist but which I'd quite simply never got around to sourcing!

Later in the week - Thursday afternoon now and my grateful is a simple one - sunshine! It seems to have been raining up here endlessly since last Friday. However I stepped outside about ten minutes ago and was met by blue skies, white clouds and a balmy breeze - just lovely - long may it last.

Friday morning and taking some time out to get this post done and dusted. So.......

Reading good books - the only thing which ever focuses my mind entirely on one thing. My book this week has been Water for Elephants - sure didn't see that ending coming!

Yorkhill's Schiehallion staff for continuing to be fabulous, accommodating, unquestioning and pulling out all the stops for our precious boy, leaving absolutely nothing to chance. It goes without saying that the staff at Daldorch coninue to be all things to Ross and us - words are not enough.

My true friends old and new who understand my sense of perspective at the moment and know why it's not important for me to spend far too precious time and an exorbitant sum of money hunting down an outfit for the Royal Garden Party. If I go, good and well and acknowledge the honour in being asked, but they'll take me as they find me!

Crafting - no photos yet - but am working away on three projects which have to be ready for mid-August so work has started in an effort to avoid being in a last minute rush as usual. Loving crafting on nights last night when I could sit in my shabby shed until late, with the door open, enjoying the quiet, the garden smells and some Il Divo (my crafting music of choice in summer!).

Right - must get on with the work of the day.. If you want to keep track of what the other Rockers and Rockettes have been up to then pop over the the home of the Queen of Rick, Virginia and follow the links from there!

Until next time..........

Gill

What's Rocking Your Friday!

2011-06-10T14:20:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it's getting to look like I'm a quarterly blogger and for that I apologise!

I'm a regular follower of WRYF and admire the dedication of regulars such as Carmen, Virginia, Jet and Susie (in no particular order ladies).

Anyway, recent days have given me a need to try and count my blessings so here we go.

Hospital staff for treating my darling mum so promptly and so well - it's great to see her back up and about as normal.

A massive thanks to the ladies who supported Candles and Cupcakes for Daldorch on 29th May when we raised the princely sum of £240 in two hours for my darling boy's school = apologies for the lack of photos.

Continued thanks to the staff in Schiehallion Unit at Yorkhill for keeping an eye on the boy so regularly and accommodating all his little ideosyncracies when he comes to visit them.

To the staff at the school for remaining steadfast in their love and support for Ross, and especially on dark days like yesterday when his dad and I struggled and bit with the not so great prospects , details on which shan't darken this post.

For online craft shopping, soothes the soul even if all I do is stroke and admire my purchases. One day............

For books, the paper version, which I adore and of which I have three different titles on the go at the moment. Have just finished Black Swan Rising by Lee Carroll and can thoroughly recommend it and hope SusieJ enjoys it - another vampire for her collection! Although I like the idea of a Kindle, I adore the feel of paper pages.

To the milder weather and light nights - I love these nights when even as I type this post at 10.20 at night it is still so very light outside - a bonus of staying so far north of the border.

Right - gotta go collect my girl, catch up on some sleep and then another busy weekend ensues including a necessary hunt for an outfit for THA garden party - wish me luck.

Take care all.

Gillx

Going back with some good news

2011-05-24T11:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Aunt Anna and Uncle Bob

Even after 23 years there's still a hardly day goes by that I don't think of you both, especially when, like yesterday, something happens which I know would have pleased you both so much. I phoned Mum to tell her about my totally unexpected invitation to the Royal Garden Party in July and without thinking I said to her that you would have been so pleased and she totally agreed. You brought Mum up as your own when you had no children and she had no parents. You taught all of us your core values and you will be glad that they've stayed with us.

With Ross, Aunt Anna, I often wonder what your take would have been with him. You were a true and dedicated teacher and I suspect you would have loved some of the challenges he presents, and loved him regardless. I've no idea how many times I have wished I could lift the phone to you or drive out to the house at Barnock for tea and reassurance. I loved the summer especially when we could sit out in Uncle Bob's precious rose gardens and listen to the total quiet - no traffic, just the sounds of the cattle and birds.

You gave me my love of crafting and reading and these remain two of my biggest passions to this day. How Mum gave you rows for spending so much money on books for me, and how we laughed when you took no notice and carried on anyway!!! You always believed that books were an investment in the future. I have to say though, I think you would have loved the internet - access to all kinds of wonderful things. I suspect you would have been the silver surfer to beat them all. How could you have been anything else with you own education at Oxford then Loughborough and the years spent guiding all those young minds. As a head teacher you were so so hands on. I remember staying with you on local holiday weekends and because the school was in a different area from where we lived at home, you made me attend class at Barnock anyway!!! 15 kids, primary 1 to primary 7 all in one class - an amazing experience.

Anyway, I'm not sure why I chose to write this other than to say that I still miss and love you both and wanted to pass on my news.

Gillxx

Not MIA - just waylaid!!!

2011-04-26T04:33:00.000-07:00

Dear blogger,

Can hardly believe that I've already been back from NYC for almost two weeks. I seem to have been overtaken by events, most worrying of which is my darling mum's admission to hospital last week, prior to whch she hadn't even been near her GP for over 35 years!!! Net result is that I haven't had time to turn since I got back home. She is however receiving great care, even by her own admission and that's saying something for a former nurse.

Once things calm down a bit I promise to download my photos and share.

Hope you are all well and enjoying this lovely spring weather.

Gillx

What's Rocking Your Friday?

2011-04-01T01:38:00.001-07:00

Hello dear reader - remember me? Short, fat with a lousy sense of humour - yep - that's me!!!

Anyway, for the first time in too long I feel able to share some things that have rocked my week, my life and my Friday.

Here comes the list-

My darling boy whose bravery in the face of a really scary and confusing world - he's the ultimate star. We as a family, and the staff at school, are so so proud of him and everything he's had to cope with in recent months. Daunting to any 13 year old, but to a special lad like Ross, potentially so scary - he has just been an absolute star and impressed us all with his coping skills.

To the fabulous staff at school who continue to be so loving and supportive to our darling boy and ourselves, they are just the most incredible bunch of people and we will never stop being grateful to them.

The Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow (known as Yorkhill to all and sundry). Especially to staff in the Schiehallion unit - all we can say is WOW. Such kindness, empathy and tolerance is truly amazing - nothing fazes them in the least - it's whatever it takes to get the job done, just so utterly fabulous.

To my colleagues at work for seeing me through the bad times (panic attacks and all) and tolerating the good times, especially this week when I have started counting days in sleeps until Sunday!!!!!!!!!

To my darling mum and dad who have supported us through the worrying times of late, looking after our darling girl when we've had to be with Ross.

Is this starting to sounds like a vote of thanks at the Oscars?

To my crafty friends and F/B buddies for poking me to keep me awake and posting out missing alerts - nice to know that I'm missed sometimes.

I think it's safe to say that with only 2 sleeps to go I'm finally getting excited about heading off to New York on Sunday. No packing done apart from essentials but hey - still 48 hours to go and I always perform better under pressure!

Crafting has been non-existent but I'm sure I'll have lots of incentive when we get back (note to self - must remember to pack camera(s)!!!!).

Oh - just remembered a big positive that happened in the last three months! Way back at the beginning of January I was approached by the NAS (National Autistic Society) who wanted to interview me for a profile of one account of living with autism. I did that and it all went fine but about a week later they called me back. This time they asked if I would go on STV (Our regional ITV up ehre in Scotland) to do a shot feature on autism on a popular tea-time programme called The Hour. All this coincided with Ross becoming ill but we managed to tick all the boxes so if you're up for a laugh you can watch the result here.

Not much for a three month absence I know but hopefully the box is ticked.

TTFN, and take care.

Gill

Cola and the white stuff!!!!!

2011-01-31T12:58:00.001-08:00

Sorry dear follower

Haven't meant to neglect you but life's just been a tad on the hectic side for the past couple of months.

To start with we had snow on the ground from 29th November constantly right through to about 7th January. Made for very time-consuming work just getting to and from work and daily with other routine activities which meant leaving the house. In the midst of the white stuff and I two car-related incidents. In the first I collided with another car on packed ice but no-one was hurt so that was fine and the financial penalty wasn't too severe. Several weeks later on the same road I collided with a brick wall - no cars around this time! That one really shook my confidence a fair bit but needs must and so I carried on driving through all the horrible white stuff until it finally disappeared.

Christmas came and went with it's usual highlight - hostage-taking of all the wrapped presents under the tree on Christmas morning!!! I know, I know - it could only happen in our house when you have a 13 year old like Ross. Thank goodness Alexandra was up before him that morning and managed to stash away her pressies and goodies before he came downstairs.

Dinner at my parents on Boxing Day saw only Alexandra and I in attendance from our house as Ross had been unwell overnight on Christmas night and we didn't want to risk passing it on to the rest of the family.

The day after Boxing Day saw me confined to bed with flu for five days but fortunately Ross was due back t school that morning until New Years Eve so mixed blessings there - everything happens for a reason you know!

New Year came and went (not a big fan of it) and before I knew it we were all back to work and school - where had the time gone?

Returned to work at it's normal pace despite the continuing sub-zero temps and ice and snow. Novelty had definitely worn off by this time - that had been more than a month!

Then to crown it all, on 19th January Ross was rushed into hospital in Kilmarnock with some very strange and worrying symptoms including totally black urine!!!!!!! It was literally the colour of cola. Staff in Crosshouse Children's ward were fabulous, as were the school staff who joined us on rotation to help out with the bold boy who had decided that no medicine was going to be take, only one blood sample was allowed and anyone who tried to persuade him differently was cancelled from his Christmas list!!! Finally it was decided that he should return to school, being reasonably well in himself despite the spectacular symptoms.

Five days later we got good news from Glasgow that the most worrying possibility for the aforementioned "water colour" had been ruled out. Such a relief, I'm sure you can imagine. However the fact remains that there is something very strange and obviously concerning with the prodigal child and so we await a visit to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow for further thoughts from their eminent Haematology team. That should be interesting given Ross's aversion to needle sand pain!!! Imagine the difficulty you have getting a tablet down your cat's throat - multiply the physical effort (including scratching, kicking pushing and shoving) involved by about 30 and divide the outcome by at least half and you've got some idea of what we're up against!!!

He's been home this weekend past and is reasonably ok but many of you will recognise that feeling as a parent when you just know that although they seem ok, there's something not quite right? Well that's the one we and school staff have so it's really a waiting game.

At the risk of sounding like an utter and complete moaning minny, there is some good news. Many of you will be aware that I was invited to appear on The Hour, a programme broadcast north of the border on weeknights at 5 p.m. I'll be on on 10th February with an amazing guy from Aberdeen University, who goes by the name of James. If you want to know more about James click here - it's fascinating stuff. I'll be on talking a little of Ross's life and it's different path from that James experienced.

Scottish TV came out to film at the school with Ross and I last week and suffice it to say that he was an absolute star - you know the way children have of proving you wrong? Well my little man did exactly what was asked of him on demand with hardly a blip far less a tantrum or outburst. It should make for an interesting piece of film and I think the whole studio piece will do a fair bit to raise further awareness of the condition that is autism, in all it's shapes and forms.

I couldn't finish the post without sending out a massive load of thanks to my many craft buddies who were so fabulous and supportive during the days of waiting - one of the glories of t'internet. They helped the long days and nights to pass just that little more easily and bolstered my often flagging spirits. You know who you are girls, each and everyone of you. And to the marvellous Susie for being her usual self and supplying me with new reading material for when sleep eludes me. Susie, you are a total star.

Right, dear reader. At the risk of having bored you rigid - that or feel positively suicidal, I shall go now as I hear the kettle boiling - yippee - tea and bed and a good book for a while - simple pleasures girls.

Take care all and remember - be kind to all you meet for everyone is facing a battle!!!

Gillx

Work, Snow and More Snow

2010-12-21T05:41:00.000-08:00

Hi Bloggers

Just a quickie from the frozen north. The photos I have to confess are courtesy of one of my work colleagues - what a clever girl! The main image at top is view from the back of my office and the rest are University wildlife of the non-student type!!!

We are now well into our fourth week of the cold white stuff and although I have to admit that it's very pretty - it's none too practical with Santa due.

Catch you all (hopefully) for a WRYF on Friday.

Enjoy!

Gill

What's Rocking My Friday? A Snow Angel Perhaps?

2010-12-10T05:59:00.000-08:00

Hi there bloggers

Well I know I've been a really naughty blogger so hands up to that one! We have been a bit beleaguered up here due the the very vast amount of white stuff that landed on us. If you saw on the news on Monday with features about the motorway closures and other hardships in Central Scotland, well I was right in the middle of it all!!!

It really has caused absolutely everything in life to go a bit haywire and I suppose I'm just grateful that I've been able to make it into work every day though I suspect it was 90% stupidity and 10% bravery on some occasions.

We eat, sleep, live and breathe football at work (well most people, me not included) and even today the pitches all remain under several feet of snow. A friend of mine ventured up to the top of the campus the other day and left an angel to watch over the pitches!!! What do you think?

Our darling boy came home on schedule last Friday and, because of the weather, hasn't been able to get back south so I have to be grateful that he's happy about that LOL! However, come Monday he's going back come hail, sun, flood or blizzard - I suspect he won't be quite as happy then.

I would like to send out a massive thank you to the people who responded to my request for Christmas cards to seel at the school. Although I hate to pick out any one individual, I must send out a massive overseas thank you to Valerie who posted the most gorgeous pack of cards. Each and everyone is a work of art. You really need to visit her blog and express your appreciation of this lady's work - she is a true artist! Thank you so much again Val.

I am grateful that the snow is now subsiding and I will be able, tomorrow, to make a very belated concentrated effort to complete my Christmas shopping. There are some things that the internet just doesn't fix for me so it's time to hit the shopping mall.

Right, short and sweet yet again so I will finish off my asking that you keep yourselves safe, healthy and as happy as possible at this rather fraught time.

Gillx

I need your help bloggers!

2010-11-29T10:12:00.000-08:00

Those of you who are regular followers of my somewhat irregular blog will know that my precious boy, Ross, attends a residential school for those children most profoundly affected by autism. For the first time I'm giving details of the school, Daldorch House, so that you can read for yourself about the wonderful work they do. Before I give you the link I need to ask for your help. As with so many schools, private and otherwise, in this day and age, they are facing a serious economic crisis and I really want to do every little bit I can to help them.

With Christmas approaching, I'm asking if those of you who make your own Christmas cards can spare a card and the cost of a postage stamp to send up a card which I can forward to the school to be sold in aid of their funds.

I am going to be setting my mind to other bigger ways of raising funds but thought I would kick off with this one.

To read about Daldorch click here.

I would like to add that although the school is situated up here in Scotland, it accepts children from all over the UK from the Orkney Isles to the Scilly Isles.

Right - must dash - cupcakes won't make themselves - am doing weekly bake sale at work as another fund-raising ploy! All other ideas for fund-raising gratefully accepted.

Thanks for taking the time to stop and read.

Gillxxx

A

What's Rocked My World?

2010-11-12T03:42:00.000-08:00

Hellow bloggers and Rockettes alike.

Yes - I know - I've been an extremely naughty blogger of late. Life would appear to have been overtaken by rounds of illness, accidents, hospital stays and visits and general fraughtness of late. And work sure as hell gets in the way of dealing with all these issues!

Anyway, hopefully my invalid will be home safe and sound tonight with good news to settle all our minds - more of this next week. Suffice it to say that it's been a long three weeks. I'm grateful to my buddies at work who have willingly bolstered my dwindling good humour and replenished the coffee supplies as and when required!

For the tennis fans among you, I had a pleasant surprise last week. Was sitting working away one day when a friend suggested that I pop along to the indoor tennis courts. Should add that work is home to the Scottish National Tennis Centre (among other notable sporting bodies). So off I trotted and there having a little "knockabout" were none other than Messrs Andy Murray and Colin Fleming,World Ranked No4 and Commonwealth Games Gold medallist respectively.

Not it's fair to say that I'm not the biggest tennis fan in the world but even I derived a certain amount of pleasure from watching the sheer power and skill exhibited by this pair in what was obviously their equivalent of "passing the time"! Grateful to have these rare and special opportunities.

Next - grateful to "www.funnyhowflowersdothat.com" who are actually the Flower Council of Holland. A few weeks ago now I came across their website and they were asking you to nominate someone you thought deserved a surprise bunch of flowers. Well I duly completed it and pressed "send" and promptly forgot all about it. However, Wednesday morning got a phone call from my mum asking why on earth i was sending her flowers. Took me a moment or two to realise that it must have been my nomination which had won - so there's a big lovely grateful from my mum and I!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Photos to follow)

I appear to be struggling with my gratefuls this week and am sure that I have forgotten many but shall be content at this stage knowing that at least I've made the effort. If you want to see more lovely lists hop on over to the Virginia's blog and follow the links.

Wshing you all that you wish yourself.

Gillx

So What's Rockin' Your World?

2010-10-15T05:50:00.001-07:00

Good afternoon Rockettes and bloggers alike!!

First, a question. How in the name of all that's holy did it get to be Friday already? I'm sure I've lived a month since my last post, and a month without the required amount of sleep at that! My poor craft shed hasn't seen me for about two weeks other than to drop off some new arrivals which now lay lovelorn on my chair, still wrapped in their packaging. It's really now good enough girls - must get my act together.

Somewhere in amongst the rushing about, I had another birthday. I'm not a great one for fussing about birthdays for my own sake, much to the surprise of my colleagues as the news filtered round later on on the day in question. I was nonetheless delighted to get home and discover that I'd received mail from some of my craft buddies including Carole and Maria. You really need to visit Maria's blog and read about the labour of love that was the creation of her card! So, there lies my first grateful - it's always lovely to receive crafty creations, whatever the reason.

My next grateful has absolutely nothing to do with me but I am sure cannot help be shared by people the world over, and it's the fabulous rescue of the Chilean miners midweek. With so much doom and gloom the world over, this whole saga couldn't help but reach into the deepest darkest recesses of our souls and inspire a little faith in humankind. A huge grateful there.

Tomorrow I'm off down to Ayr for a special treat. When Ross was younger, he loved the Singing Kettle shows, both live and on video.

I found out a couple of weeks ago that they were doing a show in Ayr and when we told Ross he showed signs of enthusiasm and approval so I've booked tickets for us all to go. Needless to say by yesterday when OH went to visit, talking about Sinking Kettle, Ross was emphatically giving it "Mo" (NO!), "Mo" (No), so we'll see what tomorrow brings but it'll be worth the 130 mile round trip just to spend some extra time with him, whatever the outcome!!! A big grateful.

Without going into detail, a couple of friends are going through a really rough time just now and it serves to put my own life into perspective. Through the good times and bad it's something I've always tried to maintain and so while I send sparkles and hugs over the miles that separate us to the people in question (you know who you are!) I am grateful that by comparison any of my trials and tribulations are relatively minor.

Before I post I have a final grateful. I managed to get out of work early tonight, rather unexpectedly. Home in sunlight, I escaped down the garden for an hour or so to tidy my workdesk and make a start on a journal which I'd like to take on THAT trip. A lovely bonus to the end of my day and so a big grateful.

Right, time to sign off yet again wishing you all a safe and content week to come.

Gillxx

What's Rockin' My World This Friday?

2010-10-07T05:41:00.001-07:00

Good morning Rockettes and bloggers alike

I hope this finds you all thriving.

It's been a funny old week this week with a true mixture of the horrible and the fabulous - to both extremes. I think I'll start with the fabulous while I think of ways to be grateful about the other sides of life!

Those of you who know me well and for any length of time will know that as a family we haven't done proper outside-of-Scotland holidays for many, many years. In fact when I counted back, even i was shocked to realise that it was 16½ years since we'd been outside Scotland far less the UK! Much of this has been down to the fact that travelling with my little man has been very difficult and stressful for all concerned with the result that it's only been done in very small manageable distances and only with great amounts of planning and contingency planning. My OH and I have however always made sure that as many opportunities as possible have been made possible for our darling girl, although we've always known that the preferred the family holidays.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, via a little financial windfall and an extreme amount of soul searching, we took a trip to the travel agent on Wednesday of this week and booked return flights to the Big Apple for April 2011, along with hotel, airport transfers - the works. It's still not quite sinking in for me yet although I was high as a kite on Wednesday afternoon! My OH's parents are, sadly, both gone now and that left me to break the news to my parents. After the initial disbelief, my mum's telling comment was "About time too!". So there's a really big grateful!

Regular Rockettes and bloggers alike will know that I'm always grateful for every second Friday because it means that my gorgeous boy is home for a few days. Today is one of those days so YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! to that and much gratefulness. He's coming out of a recent decline and the staff have yet again been marvellous in guiding him through his often troubled little life. Let's count our blessings bloggers!

Unexpected visitors - having lives a life which was so often filled with chaos and mayhem, unexpected guests were often the least of my worries and I still very much live by the ethos that if you want to visit me then you take me as you find me and if you don;t like it, well.............. Monday brought unexpected guests (well - 15 minutes notice) in the form of my lovely friend Mhairi and her mum. Two hours later they left following a wide ranging discussion which went from autism, to cupcakes, from loss adjusters to stampeding cattle - fabulous - only in my house!

Sparkles - now these little specimens, well known to all crafters, are magical things, multi-purpose and very effective. I'm so very grateful that they do actually do their stuff. In this post I'm sending out bucket loads of them to those who need or want them and some of my crafty pals/bloggers will know that the super-strength variety are heading straight to them to see them through these darker days. You know who you are ladies.

Right, must get on with some of the work I'm paid to do - lunchtime being over. I certainly won;t get a chance to complete this post tonight so am going to leave it as it stands and wish you all things you wish yourself in the coming week until we all meet again - same time - same place.

Gillxx

What's Rockin' Your Friday

2010-09-30T02:37:00.001-07:00

Taking a leaf from the lovely Virginia's book (or blog) I have been adding to this post through the week as I forever send out my Friday Rockin' post and then remember things which I really truly meant to comment on! I truly believe in lists but just don't seem to have the hang of making them and keeping track of them physically!

First grateful is to the now sadly late, but nonetheless phenomenally great Tony Curtis who shuffled off to the great studio in the sky this week.

How much do I love his films. At the risk of sounding like someone's aged aunt - they really don't make films like they used to. Who can honestly argue when you sit and watch the marvellous fun and simplicity of something like "Some Like It Hot" with marvellous Ms Monroe and Mr Lemmon

Mr Curtis, you always were and always will be, one of the greats and you're one of my gratefuls for this week!

Next up is a surprise blog award from the fabulous Valerie Jael over in Germany. Now if you haven't visited Val's blog a) why not? and b) get yourself over there now (or when you're finished here!!) and see her marvellous work. This is one seriously talented lady. From you Val, a blog award is all the more special. Healing sparkles to you Val.

My next grateful if that I haven't actually gone totally grey this week. My daughter is appearing in a show at our local Town Hall this weekend. The title is "And now for something completely different". She's a member of our local operatic society and absolutely loves it. However I digress (nothing new there then). Demands for costumes, shoes, insoles for shoes because of her skinny feet, fishnet tights - the list goes on! Between working full time, running to and fro for rehearsals, dealing with car repairs, household shopping, managing my farm on Farmville ;-) and an ageing moggy who's overnight bladder capacity has a timespan of three hours (and who refuses to use a litter tray) life has just been that little bit more hectic than usual. So this grateful goes to my other half who has been off work this week and able to pick up on all the other bits of flotsam and jetsam of life which managed to escape me!

My next grateful and Maria knows how I mean it - is the reassurance that there's always someone else having a worse week than you so can you please pop over to Maria's blog and leave her massive hugs and many many sparkles - goodness knows she deserves and needs them!

On the craft front I did manage to complete a layout including a photo taken on afore-mentioned daughter's birthday. Just haven't had a chance to take a photo yet so will pop it on here hopefully over the weekend. My lovely new papers that I showed you last week have arrived - they are Kaisercraft's "Tis The Season" and I got the from Merly Impressions. This was the first time I'd visited their site and I will most certainly be back!

Right Rockettes and bloggers alike. Time I was getting on with the work of the day so I will wish you a safe, happy and content week to come and we all meet again.

Gillx

What's Rockin' Your Friday

2010-09-24T06:54:00.000-07:00

Sorry bloggers and Rockettes alike

Have been a bad blogger. This has partly been due to being busy and partly a bit of apathy. When I received a message from Maria, posting me missing, I knew it was time to take time out and get my blogging act back together!

Still phenomenally busy at work and at home. I suppose my first grateful has to be that there are so many students wanting to come to us here in Stirling and wanting to study/participate in sport and that keeps me in a living!!!

In the last two weeks I've done a couple of return trips to Newcastle (3 hours each way) with my mum and dad who were away on a cruise which took in Germany, Denmark, Russia and other places although not in the particular order. It was lovely to hear what a fab time they had although after the Force 10 gale on the trip home I suspect they were glad to be back on dry ground!

I am grateful to my wide and extended family who keep in touch through the phenomenon that is Facebook and thought I'd share this fab photo which my cousin posted of the Northern Lights.

How marvellous a sight must that have been? For the record, Darren is a trawlerman and sails the wild north sea, often as far as Iceland!!!!!!!

Today is a good day as it is a second Friday and I am always grateful on these Fridays as they bring my precious boy home to me for the weekend. He has been treading an anxious path of late at school and has been heavily reliant on the love and support of his team of staff to see him through his dark days and nights. It is a worrying time for all who know and love Ross and it's at these times that I admit to hating having him away from home, no matter how necessary. So my biggest grateful, yet again, is to that marvellous bunch.

Crafting has been a seldom seen activity in the last couple of weeks but I should have another layout to show this weekend which will celebrate my darling daughter's 15th birthday. Where on earth does the time go?

I have noticed in the last couple of weeks that Christmas is making it's presence know. I remember hearing someone utter at some point that is was only 100 days until Christmas. There has been some fabulous blogging activity recently with people making use of freebie papers from Scrapbook Magazine and in particular I commend the work of my buddies Sue and Alma. Well done ladies - your work is so so fabulous as ever!!!!!!!!! I had a little browse on the web for Christmas inspiration the other day and found these gorgeous papers from Kaiserkraft - how gorgeous are they?

I feel a little spend coming up when payday arrives!!

Okay peeps - time to get on but at least my blogging conscience is clear. Why don't you hop on over to Virginia's blog and see who else is grateful for what - it's always an uplifting read.

TTFN and take care.

Gillxxxx

Second time this year?

2010-09-05T10:59:00.001-07:00

Hi bloggers and friends alike

Second what I hear you ask - well I'm ashamed to say that it's ony my second LO this year.

It's unusual for, for a variety of reasons. The main reason is that is is of my baby boy - Ross. For the record, I should add that my baby was 13 two weeks ago!!

I know you're probably wondering why a layout of Ross is unusual. Those of you who know me well will know that my little man is profoundly and severely affected by autism. Any photos taken of him between the ages of 10 months and 5 years usually show him in some state of anxiety or off in his own little world. Very rarely did he ever smile in those distant days. Hence why I love this photo so much and was glad to discover it in an album yesterday. It was taklen in my mum's garden and I adore his gentle little smile which actually reaches his eyes - a peaceful little boy.

The papers are from an Oriental kit I got from QVC some time back - you may remember it, the one with the silk papers and silk covered album.

Anyway, I loved them because they toned in with the little top he's wearing in the photo. Although I appeared to have a garden theme running, I didn't want to use flowers and hence the pinwheels. Ross loves pinwheels and we used to have so many of the big plastic ones - acquiring a new one with each garden centre visit!!!

The papers are all double-sided and tone in beautifully. I have also used some of the little oriental tags and fabric covered brads which came in the kit. The numbers and surrounding plaque and grungeboard element by the notable Mr Holtz and came up beautifully with some ink, Glossy Accents and accidental Stickles - I didn't ave my glasses on so used the wrong accent on the numbers.

When I thought I'd finished the layout I found this embroidered bird motif and felt it was just the final finishing touch.

There certainly seems to be quite a lot of embellishment going on on this LO and that in itself is unusual for me but this kit was so lovely to work with and so easy to keep adding bits without a fear of a crowded page. Titles were cut using Cricut "George and Basic Shapes" font.

Let me know what you think people?

TTFN

Gillx

I've been tagged

2010-09-01T01:21:00.000-07:00

Maria - you know that revenge will be mine!!!!

Getting to know me

1. If you blog anonymously, are you happy doing it that way; if you are not anonymous do you wish you had started out anonymously so you could be anonymous now?

I don't blog anonymously but I tend to watch what I'm writing because I worry that people will be bored or that I'll be indiscreet to a greater or lesser degree.

2. Describe one incident that shows your inner stubborn side.

Oooooh - my Oh would probably be able to come up with 1001 instances for this bt I'm struggling LOL. Perhaps not an incident so much as a journey. Succeeding in getting my DS (profoundly affected by autism) to be allowed to access mainstream school in Primary 1.

3. What do you see when you really look at yourself in the face in the mirror?

Fat and spotty but with a great haircut LOL!!

4. What is your favorite summer cold drink?

Full fat Coca Cola with ice and lemon!

5. When you take time for yourself, what do you do?

Read -anything and everything!

6. Is there something you still want to accomplish in your life? What is it?

Like most mums I want to do all I can to ensure that my children have the best possible futures but for me personally - VEGAS BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

7. When you attended school, were you the class clown, the class overachiever, the class shy person, or always ditching school? Describe who you were if not one of these.

Distinctly average and a bit on the quiet side.

8. If you close your eyes and want to visualize a very poignant moment in your life, what do you see?

My mum and dad walking into the hospital ward for the first time after my daughter was born. Won't ever forget the tears in my mum's eyes.

9. Is it easy for you to share your true self in your blog or are you more comfortable writing posts about other people or events?

Although I do share snippets about my family and my life I still lack the confidence to be as open as I would like to be. Although I worry about boring people I do think that I, as we all do, have had life experiences which would be useful to share.

10. If you had the choice to sit and read or talk on the phone, which would you do and why?

Given the choice I will always opt for reading as I'm a totally useless conversationalist!!!

Am off now to tag Susie and Ann.

TTFN

Gillxxxx

So Where Do You Live? - Updates

2010-08-24T01:20:00.000-07:00

Morning bloggers

As I mentioned in Friday's post, I've got a little bit of a challenge for you. Through our various connections via forums, blogs, chat rooms etc we get to know a bit about our online buddies.

I'm by nature a very curious person and thought it would be nice to know a bit more about each other.

Specifically, I thought it would be nice to know about where we all live!

I posted this idea on the DoCrafts scrapbooking forum last week and already we have an eager beaver in the form of Joanne, telling us about life in Camberley in Surrey. Thanks so much Joanne!!!

While doing a quick bit of blog-hopping at lunchtime I see that Donna a.k.a. Doodles-Dumpkins has done a fab post on the wonders of Swindon.

So come on ladies and gents, have a look at their entries and take it from there. I will have my entry up by the weekend hopefully - one special photo I need to nip out and capture!!

TTFN

Gillxx

Just had a quick blog hop and I see that Vaslerie-Jael has just taken part in this challnge. Val writes in a wonderfully entertaining and informative way but this is NOTHING compared to her crafting - go see. Thanks Val!!!

What's Rocking Your Friday?

2010-08-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

Good evening bloggers and Rockettes alike.

Well, what a busy old week it's been since we last met up! My first and most obvious grateful is that DS arrived home last Friday for an extended stay of 6 days and he was sooooooo excited, believe me. His normal stay is Friday to Monday every other weekend. This time he stayed until Thursday (yesterday) to let him have his birthday at home on Wednesday. He loved being at home, as you would expect, but boy were we all exhausted by yesterday. Autism is really hard work, but combine it with an energetic thirteen year old and you really start to feel old! Thirteen years - where have they gone?

This was my second week off work and still no crafting was done until abut 7.30 tonight when I summed up the energy after an after-dinner nap! More on that next week as the work is intended for one of my fellow bloggers *wink, wink*.

When Ross is home, he's not really keen on venturing out much. The staff at school are the first to remind is that he's under constant and quite heavy pressure all the while he's at school and that's why he's happy to have his own "me" time and do as he pleases. Fortuantely his doting Dad and my wonderful OH is quite happy to be wherever Ross is which is probbaly just as well.

To my darling daughter, Alexandra, or "Wubbs" as she is known often - don't ask my why, the history of that one is far too old and silly and would take be half an hour to explain. At school her friends call her Alex but if I'm talking to her in any seriousness, or about her, I always say Alexandra. She started back school on Wednesday - early start for us up here in Scotland. So needless to say we had the mad last minute rush to pick up all the odds and ends she needed as well as nipping into school to collect her new blazer. It seems to be on the first day of each new autumn term that I notice more than at any other time how much she is growing up and she is definitely becoming a young lady - and not even 15 yet - a few weeks to go. Love you gorgeous girl!

A big grateful to my hairdresser Scott. My hair was getting way too long and I decided it was very unbecoming to a woman of my advancing years. So, yesterday morning I had an appointment with Scott and asked him to take it up from halfway down my back to something more reasonable. I would always trusdt his judgement so asked him to cut it without no mirror for me until he was finished. The only stipulation was that it wasn't to be too short. Long story cut short (pardon the pun - none intended), I now have a jaw length curlyish bob which I absolutely adore. It is so so different and makes me look so much better and so much less tired. Even my darling dad, who isn't known for his opinions on female matters, was heard to comment, unprompted "Who's the dolly bird?" when I stuck my head round the door after my appointment. Praise indeed from one of life's most important men.

SO here I am with only a couple of days left before I go back to work. It's been a good couple of weeks and I have more time off in September so that's not so bad. Thanks to my OH for surviving us both being in the house for a whole week and more precisely coping with the ensuing shopping trips LOL!!!

A photo-free blog this week as Alexandra, like her mum, hates having her photo taken, Ross's self injury to his face isn't something I'm ready to share yet and so precluded any photos of him and no crafting to show for my time away from work. Next week will be different I promise.

On this note I'm going to go before we head into Saturday. I feel the need for a little Team Edward fix before bed-time!!

HAve a safe week all and look out for my blog challenge which I'll be posting about this weekend. Nothing too serious - just a bit of fun.

Gillxxx

Friday - where has the week gone?

2010-08-13T01:21:00.000-07:00

Good morning Rockettes and bloggers alike, and welcome.

This morning finds the skies clear with just a few clouds although I gather it's not so great in other parts of the country,so fingers crossed it reaches you all this weekend. Good weather always makes me feel that little bit brighter, sort of lifts the spirits a bit, despite whatever else is going on.

First on my list is my fab few days up in St Andrews with my mum and Alexandra. We had decided to take the big tent (6 man) for just the three of us and we eventually set off with the car packed to the gunwales on Sunday lunch-time and got there just an hour and a half later. We booked into a gorgeous site just three miles outside of St Andrews in a small village called Strathkinness.

It's a small but very pretty village, beautifully maintained with flower baskets and tubs everywhere. It's a common feature of these East Fife villages and make driving around this area a real pleasure.

Anyway, we had a few fab days and St Andrews was looking at its best for the many,many tourists who were thronging the place.

We had a fab few days wandering around, visiting the usual attractions, doing some shopping (more on that shortly!), eating and generally just chilling.

On the shopping front, some of my crafty buddies will know that if I have a real weakness in life, other than for stash, it's for handbags. On Tuesday I found myself standing outside a shop called Ness. Now, I'm proud to be a Scot and love tartan in the right context but wouldn't sell my soul for it. However ........ must to the amusement of Mum and Alexandra, I was literally stopped in my tracks by a bag and knew that I had to have it, right reason or none.

Needless to say the bag came home with me and I adore it. Each to their own and all that.

Well, we had a fab time and came back on Wednesday, more out of necessity than desire it has to be said.

Today, a big day. My darling some comes home today and will be with us until next Thursday. During that time he'll have his 13th birthday. Where does the time go?

Yesterday was spent finalising my daughter's courses for her Highers (Scottish term, not sure of English equivalent), collecting her new school blazer, catching up on housework and the dreaded "i" word - sorry if you're reading this Sue-Bubbles! However, it's all done now so I can settle to the joys of the day with a clear conscience. For one day only I am, to all intents and purposes, a domestic goddess!!!

Another grateful, and a really big one, is to my darling husband who stayed at home while we girls went gallivanting. He was well aware that I wouldn't go away while Ross was in school and have no-one on-call at home for the school. Although we were only another hour and a half further away from the school, I just wouldn't have risked it. Thank you Jim - you spoil your girls!

Facebook - I know people have mixed opinions on this subject. I personally love it for the ability it gives me to maintain relationships so easily over distance and time. Facebook on mobile web is even better when you're travelling and arranging to meet with friends.

Right - crafty stuff planned next week when I'm not dancing attendance on my darling boy. Alexandra starts back school on Wednesday and other than the trauma of finding shoes for a child who has ankles like a sparrow at the age of 14 years and 11 months - I think we're all sorted.

This post's been a bit of a ramble so if you've made it this far, congratulations and thank you for sticking with it.

Until the next time, and don't forget to pop over and visit Virginia at the Celtic House. Even better - why don't you join us - it's good for the soul!!

Gillxxx

So What's Rocking Your World This Friday?

2010-08-06T01:49:00.001-07:00

Good morning Rockettes and bloggers alike!! It's a very dull, grey and damp Friday morning up here in Stirling, but do I care? Not a bit!!!!!!!!! Why - because I finish up work today for two whole weeks of R&R - YIPPEEEEEEEE I suspect that if life goes along it's usual pattern then there might be slightly less of the R&R than I would like but it'll be nice to spend time with my darling daughter before our schools start back on 18th August.

First thing on the agenda is a girlie camping trip up to St Andrews - how much do I love this place!!!!!!!!! My mum, daughter and I are off tomorrow for a few days and we'll come back when we feel like it.

This place has all the things which are important to me on holiday:

1. Good beaches
2. Fabulous ice-cream
3. Lots of history

We will be back mid-week next week at latest as Ross comes home on Friday for 6 days, and Alexandra and I are helping out here in Stirling at the University's first Scootathlon next Friday - more on that one later!

Crafting has been non-existent this week as I've been feeling a bit under the weather with swollen glands and just being generally exhausted. I do however have a not inconsiderable to-do list forming so hopefully I can make a start on that at some point.

For now, I must go and get on with some work if I want my desk cleared by 5 tonight. So I will wish you an safe and happy week until we meet again.

Gillx

What's Ricking Your World Friday?

2010-07-30T08:14:00.001-07:00

Happy Friday afternoon bloggers and Rockettes alike!!!

First things first - as I type my precious boy has arrived home for the weekend so all will be well and normal. Junk food, loud music, no computers free - just like any other household with a 12 year old and a 14 year old in residence. So similar but so different. As is the case every other Friday, that is my BIG grateful!

I am so glad to realise that this time next week I will be winding down at work for two weeks off - bliss. I haven't done much crafting this week but was delighted with the response I got from the recipient of the engagement book I featured in last week's WRYF post. Also, thank you for all your kind comments.

Following hot on the heels of last week's WRYF, came the post about my current love and obsession - the Twilight Saga. In an effort to avoid sounding totally demented and obsessive, suffice it to say that I am most definitely Team Edward and no amount of written word or celluloid images have managed to sway me from this decision. I am just so glad that there are other like-minded people, including my Facebook and online scrapping buddy Susie.

Another big positive today - Payday - thank goodness. Have already ordered myself a set of much coveted Tim Holtz stamps from Cuddly Buddly and am hoping they arrive very soon. The stamps in question are........

I've been after these stamps for a while and managed to pick them up with a few pounds of the usual price so I am well pleased!

Right, need to go now so will wish you all a happy Friday and an even more fabulous weekend, whatever it brings you, planned or otherwise, and will catch up with you soon.

Gillxxxx

Hands up - guilty as charged!!

2010-07-24T08:58:00.001-07:00

Well.........

For the past year or so I've been wondering what all the fuss was about, after all it was only a kid's series of books about a vampire! Wrong, wrong, wrong!!!!!

Over the past ten days or so I've found myself with some unexpected me-time and my all-time passion is reading. So, bought myself, admittedly very sceptically, a copy of Twilight. Couldn't put the damned thing down. I forsook sleep and food to read the book every chance I got. Did it in 36 hours and absolutely adored it! By midnight last Friday I was a firm and committed member of Team Edward. That young man has more sex appeal that I would have thought possible to commit to paper.

By last night I'd managed to finish New Moon and Eclipse and watch Twilight on DVD. Have to admit that I found the DVD a tad disappointing but I'm always the same if I've read the book first.

Finally, I wouldn't say that I'm one for carrying my obsessions to any serious length. However......... this afternoon OH and I decided that given there were still no children in the house, we would head into town to do some bits and pieces of shopping. While we were wandering I commented that I needed a new everyday watch for work etc. Went into one of the jewellers and there it was - shouting at me - come buy me Gill, you know you want me!!!!

The delectable Sekonda Twilight no less! So, I confess, I've finally lost the plot but hey it's all good clean fun and will be even better when I settle down later tonight to start rereading Twilight - I loved that book sooooo much. Carole Griffin - I blame you and Tinks, and thank you at the same time. A little escapism has been a wonderful thing following on some of the stresses of late.

Gillx

What's Rocking Your World Friday

2010-07-23T12:49:00.001-07:00

Good evening Rockettes. Hopefully you've come to visit me via the wonderful Virginia over at Celtic House where she has a really wonderful list of things to be grateful for. I can but hope to hold my own over here.

First things first, thank you dear reader for stopping by!!!!

Next, well I actually had today booked as a day's annual leave and, unlike the previous two Fridays, didn't set foot over the University gates and I have to admit it was just fab!!!!!!! I woke to lovely blue skies and a very mild breeze. Felt so invigorated that I stripped the beds and got all the linen and flannel washed and line dried by midday - how virtuous did I feel LOL!!!!!!

As I sit typing tonight it's a gorgeous evening with very little cloud, slight breeze and a gorgeous view of the hills - simple things dear reader.

I am grateful that I felt motivated to continue with a little project I've been working on - an engagement book/album keeper thingy which I mentioned last week. Today I nipped out and picked up some final bits of ribbon and some charms and hey presto - complete!!!!!!!!!!!! Those of you who know me from Facebook will have noticed that I had a bit of a dilemma over the level of embellishment required. My style, despite attempts to change it, is really quite simple so I'm adopting the adage "Less is more" as my line of defence. Hopefully I've managed to load a small slide show to demonstrate my point

Another free photo slideshow by Smilebox

Let me know what you think please - confidence in my crafting is never that great at the best of times and I usually conveniently "forget" to photograph my projects!

My darling daughter is off in Wick at the moment with my parents and niece and by all accounts they are having a lovely time with fine weather, visiting family, beaches, sites and generally having laid back fun. Roll on Sunday when she is returned to us safe and sound. If I'm honest, not that it happens very often, I can't say that I like my house without children. It's way toooooo quiet and three years down the line I still find it strange not having my little man around every day. I'm honest enough to confess that I love the noise and disruption he brings home with him every other weekend. Thanks, as always, to the staff who do such a fab job of caring for him in between his visits home.

It's been a busy old week at work and I'm glad that we only have a week until our financial year end, anew staffmember joins us on Monday to cover for my colleague on maternity leave, and best of all, only two weeks until I'm off on holiday for two whoe weeks and my precious boy will be home for 6 days during that time. As with so many people affected by autism, he depends on his routine. As much as we know he loves being home amongs his belongings and family, we have learned that he can only be with us for short periods if we want to maintain his progress. C'est la vie, but a hard one!!!!!!!

Right, enough for one night. ooooooooooh, justremembered, tonight is Grey's Anatomy night and one of my little weaknesses. It's the only TV programme which I make any conscious effort to watch - love it. Thank you Channel 5 for bringing it bak to me.

Definitely off this time so stay safe and well and let me know that you've been to visit. Until the next time..........

Gillxx

OK Peeps - so What's Rockin' Your World Friday?!!

2010-07-16T05:24:00.000-07:00

Well peeps

I have no excuse for missing last weeks post other than that life really just got in the way of blogging. I was supposed to be on a day's holiday last Friday and ended in at work -nuff said!!!

Same has happened again today so I suppose my first grateful should be that I have a job which brings in the pennies which allow me to craft?

My next grateful is to my mum and dad. They know how hectic things are for me at the moment and have asked DD to go off up north with them next week while OH and I are stuck at work. DD is very very happy about this as she loves the chance to visit our family up in Wick

On the craft front I am working on a surprise for one of the girls at work - a sort of scrapper keeper album as she became engaged recently and I wanted to make her a little piece of frippery. I will try and remember to take photos before I pass it on - I'm hoping to finish it this weekend. That said, DS is home from school this weekend so that plan may go west!!!!

I am every grateful to the people who developed Facebook as this is sometimes my only constant link with some of my not-so-nearest and definitely dearest, and is generally a much-loved window to the big wide world out there. It serves well to remind me that there is a world outside of work.

As ever I'm grateful to Virginia over at Celtic House for coming up with this wonderful way of reminding us of all the things large and small which we do have to be grateful for and perhaps forget about.

I started writing this post and felt as angry as a bag of rattlers, not a great deal of it justified I have to say, but am calming as I write and have decided that nothing about my work is so important that I can't finish early and be home for my DS arriving home.

On that point, my final grateful in a somewhat short list is, as every, to the staff at Ross's school. They continue to be the most fantastic people and never fail in their support, even when things are getting a bit scary.

Right, dear reader, that's me over and out for this week. Why don't you join us - it's good for the soul!!!!

Gillxxx

Craft Companion

2010-06-27T13:45:00.000-07:00

Evening bloggers

Twice in one week - must be a record for me!!!

Right, at the request of my good blogging friend Sue-Bubbles, here's a picture of my newly tidied work desk this afternoon.

The weather up here today has been overcast and muggy. We had a bit of a shower this morning but it really didn't come to anything. We decided to go ahead with a planned barbecue with my mum and dad at our house. Were sitting finishing our meal about 4'ish when the heavens really opened. It was lovely and cooling and had that beautiful after-the-rain smell from the fields surrounding us.

After mum and dad left, I decided to head back down to the shed

As I got near the door I realised I'd forgotten to close it when last out

and found that I had a visitor. I did wonder where he'd got to after my dad had insisted on feeding him barbecued fresh trout!!!!

There he was, dead to the world, curled up on mu work chair. As I post this blog, ten o'clock at night, he's still out there so I must remember to go and retrieve him and lock up for the night. It's still very mild and very light up here at this time of night. We had some visitors at dusk (about 11'ish) on Friday night (right at the stat of Grey's Anatomy - that's how I know the time!!!). There were three small roe deer in the field. So small and delicate - they were gorgeous.

Right, thatis post has been a real piece of nonsense but will pass two minutes of your time since you've popped in. I will post pictures of the work I got done tomorrow hopefully. The light wasn't good enough by the time I was coming in to get decent photos.

TTFN

Gillx

What's Rocking Your World Friday

2010-06-25T14:32:00.001-07:00

A very late evening Friday post from me so her we go

Thanks to Virginia at Celtic House for her insightful list as always.

Me, firstly - it's gotta be that I'm thankful I'm now off work for four days - yay!! The schools up here in Scotland broke up today for summer - a real double-edged sword I know.

My mum for running around after my darling daughter who always, but always, despite my morning cal, always managed to forget either her phone, purse or house key when dashing out to school. Granny to the rescue!!!!!!!

As I'm sure you all are, I'm loving this lovely warm weather and the beautiful scnerey surrounding me at home and especially at work. I work on what is acclaimed as one of the most beautiful university campuses in Europe up here in Stirling. Want a peak - go here?

Facebook - I've found so many of my crafty pals from the Docrafts forum lurking on Facebook and now, as of today, we have a new fun home on Facebook - communication is a wonderful thing - great for the soul!

Talking of craft, I've been working on a secret project all week, something a little different from me - decided to give the paper and scissors a rest for a short time. It reminds me that I forgot to take photos of the scrapbook I did for my dad for Fathers' Day - will do that this weekend and post it for your comments.

This week started really badly for me. Without going into any great details, I was hit by a bit of a panic attack over an issue I've always just gone along with. It's one of those things that's always there, you deal with it and keep going but you tend to avoid dwelling on it. Then one day it creeps up and lodges itself at the forefront of your mind where you just can't shake it. I'm sure we all have or have had these things. Well, mine came to visit on Tuesday and I offer my thanks to my gorgeous friend Nikki for being in the right place at the right time and rescuing me quietly and without fuss. Love you Nikki.

Finally, so glad to be taking part in this year's Graduation ceremonies and honoured to have been asked to lead out the academic procession at two of the ceremonies this year A real honour and so lovely to be taking part in the highlight of the University year. As long as I don;t trip and land flat on my face all will be well LOL!! Flat shoes that day methinks.

Right, dear reader, off you go and catch up with my other Friday Rockettes as Virginia call us.

Take care.

Gillx

What's Rocking Your Friday?

2010-06-18T01:30:00.001-07:00

It's days like today on which I feel the real value of participating in WRYF and am grateful to Virginia for initiating the whole wonderful thing. I urge you dear blogger to join in if you haven't already. It's got to be good for the soul!!!

I'm so grateful to the wonderful world of the web. It allows us all to have glimpses, large and small into the lives of those around us, near and far, differing in culture, nationality and existence. Part of this joyous exploration is finding like-minded people, and also the realisation that you're never as alone as you had perhaps believed.

Next, to my work colleagues and friends among them, for making me smile when I think I've forgotten how to. They are a wonderful bunch of academics who combine their academia with high-level sporting achievement, firm social conscience and often the most amazing sense of humour. They accept my for who I am, in so many ways diametrically different from them on a physical and psychological level. Thanks guys one and all.

Again, as always, I express my love and gratitude to the staff at my son's school who have again this week been so supportive to us all as a family, but more so in their education, protection and care of my darling son on all possible levels. It's been a hell of a week but nobody's died so we live to fight another week.

On a crafty point of view, I thank all those individuals who share their beliefs, loves, aspirations and achievements in their blogs. One of my current favourite heroes is Suze Weinberg. I love the way she writes of her diverse interests, love of her family and the way she shares all this unstintingly.

Finally, my darling Dad. Who constantly reminds me in his quiet way to never give up, to hold belief, and that I am loved. Thanks Dad.

Right - time to get on.

Hugs and sparkles to you dear reader.

Gxxx

ROCKING YOUR WORLD FRIDAY

2010-06-11T06:04:00.000-07:00

I'm conscious that at times in this world it's all too easy to become moany, obsessive, introspective and generally ungrateful. Well I'm damned sure I must appear that way to a lot of people a lot of time. I think joining Rocking Your World Friday will be good therapy for these nasty little habits.

So........... today it goes like this:

At 4 o'clock last night I became eternally grateful to the designers at Archos who came up with this little beauty

I bought this for DS some months ago as he loves his gadgets and especially those which offer visual stimulation and whose function he can control infinitely. He is a control junky in the extreme but perhaps that's more than his autism.

Anyway, after much pulling of hair, screaming and gnashing of teeth, I am finally able to download all his favourite Youtube clips via Cnet, convert them into AVI format from MP4, and pop them onto this little gadget. He finally got to view it yesterday when OH went to see him down at school. Verdict - thumbs up (Ross is pretty non-verbal). It's not often I feel that I've done something in his life which I think he truly appreciates, but I get the impression Ross might think his mum has a purpose in life other than to make him sausages and chips on demand!!!

Next - so grateful to be alive and have my nearest and dearest around me. We, as a family, lost someone very close to us this week and the funeral was today. A stark reminder. Over.

My crafting - generally a hit or miss affair but it helps me to focus. When i craft, nothing else gets in the way. I'm out of the house, in my own little world and the house's other inhabitants know better than to disrupt me.

Finally, with the thought of a big review on Monday, to the absolutely stunningly fabulous staff at my son's school. I give them total responsibility for my son's safety, education and social and moral welfare for 11 days out of 14 and he now has more mums and dads (in the nicest possible way) than any little one deserves. They all bring their own brand of humour, compassion and experience into this little boy's life and I love each and everyone of them.

How's this for a first effort?

Gillx

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

2010-05-30T08:50:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon bloggers

Two weeks ago today, in our back garden, my OH and I experienced a moment in history. I decided to record it for posterity, in a manner befitting all good scrapbookers. I hear you asking what the occasion was. Well, DD has her first boyfriend and they decided to venture into the garden instead of loitering outside the house in the manner of a modern day Romeo and Juliet! The photo isn't great but all mothers will appreciate the significance.

Today I'm faced with the prospect of a house devoid of children for the next five days. DS is peacefully ensconced at school and DD is on a coach on her way down to Hull. Tonight she'll take the ferry over to Rotterdam, en route to Michelstadt in Germany for a musical arts exchange visit with her school's twin school, the Gymnasium in Michelstadt. In addition to performing in the Gymnasium's annual arts concert, she and her schoolmates will endeavour to teach the German pupils a song in Gaelic - oh to be a fly on that wall!!!

Anyway, I digress, as usual. I was checking my camera card this morning and came across the photo above and decided to break the habit of a lifetime and do a 12 by 12 layout. Apologies for the photography, but I hope you get the gist of it.

I'd had the papers for a while - Bella Bella by My Minds Eye. They are a beautiful muted selection of papers. I cut the titles using Cricut's Jasmine cartridge, cutting a mellow warm yellow Bazzil cardstock. To the naked eye the title looks lovely and stands out well, but sadly my photos belie this fact!

The flowers and tree were Kanban stamps, using Versa Mark and copper and Green perfect pearls and give a gorgeous glimmer. I have, sadly, failed to go big with embellishments but any suggestions to amend/improve this LO are gratefully appreciated and no offence will be taken.

Right - off to prepare a leisurely dinner, without the usual variations to suit a varied household. OH can have what I make and like it!!!!!

Hope you're having a lovely weekend.

Gillx

And now for something different

2010-05-20T05:58:00.000-07:00

Bloggers

Just need to share this one with you. I'm as hard-hearted and detached as they come but I have to confess to a bit misting of the eyes as this one went along.

Enjoy!

Gillx

Rumours of my death................

2010-05-17T03:43:00.001-07:00

Morning bloggers

I am such a lazy, lazy, lazy blogger. I have been busy since my last post but in my usual fashion have forgotten to take pics of my crafty efforts - deliberately or otherwise.

An early preoccupation this year was memory books for some of the cast members of Fiddler on the Roof in a local production. DD took part in this production as her first full musical. I have to admit that I was uncertain about allowing her to join the company. However I can now put my hands up and say that I was wrong to worry. It's done her confidence the world of good. Anyway, here are a couple of pics of the covers of two of the finished books. The sepia book is Alexandra's own and the pink one is one for a friend of hers in the company, Elaine. I also did books in sapphire, emerald, ruby and gold.

Next up was a challenge on the Docrafts scrapbooking forum. A number of us agreed to do a matchbox swap. The matchbox in question was one of the Cook's Matches boxes which was to be decorated and filled with little crafty items. It has to be said that this allowed us to be a little more creative in terms of decoration and the amount of items we could put in the box.

My swap partner was the lovely Sue Bubbles and she very kindly sent me this little treasure trove:

Thank you so much Sue! If you want to see my contribution to the swap, go to Sue's blog here .

Last, but by no means least, I dug out my Bind-It-All which I received as a birthday present back in October. Having completed the Fiddler books, I thought I'd have a go at a couple of Post-It holders.

Looking at photos of my work makes me realise that my style is a very simple one and perhaps I shouldn't fret about trying to change it - easier said than done my friends.

My final word - go here to my new favourite blog - Suzy Weinberg.

Happy blogging!

Gillx

A blog award - thanks Tania!!!

2010-02-16T02:39:00.001-08:00

I received this award from my friend Tania who I met through the DC forum although we actually only live apart 4 miles apart!!! Apparently I've been awarded it in the hope that it inspires me to get blogging regularly again.

Well, I am at least crafting again and am currently working on half a dozen souvenir memory books for people involved in a production of Fiddler on the Roof which is being put on in Falkirk in April. I can say no more for fear of prying eyes LOL!!!

I think I may be suffering a confidence crisis as my desk has several little completed crafty items which I've made for specific people but then failed to post on as I fear that they are not good enough. It's obviously just something I've got to work through. May well be a backlash from the stress we have suffered as a family since mid-December and which is finally abating. However that, as they say, is in the past and is best left there!

I will pass this blog on to Sue-Bubbles, Val (phenomenal work - go see!!), the lovely Maria a.k.a. Superwoman, and finally a fairly new but phenomenal blogger, the marvellous Alma!!!!

I've just realised that the condition of this award is that I state the three things I should/would never do, and these are:

1. Hurt anyone intentionally
2. Give up believing in a better way of life for our precious boys
3. Be tidy LOL!!!!!!!!!!!

Right, onwards and upwards with the promise of more regular blogging, and dispatch of my craft work to the intended recipients (perhaps!!!)

Eddie May - you're a good man!!!

2010-02-12T02:39:00.000-08:00

Well, I’m only too aware that my little blog has remained very sadly neglected over recent months.

My reason for this post is to publicly acknowledge the departure of a good man from my working environment.

Yesterday morning sports news in Scotland heralded the departure of Eddie May from Falkirk Football Club.

For the record, I found Eddie to be one of the most unassuming and moral people I’ve had the good fortune to meet in recent times.

He single-handedly and passively started to revise my opinions on the world of football which surrounds my working day. In my working environment there is a commonly held belief that it is football which makes the world go round. My colleagues accept with good grace that this isn’t a belief that I share, even if they don’t understand it.

Now, I haven’t sat through a whole football match, live or otherwise, since the day that Forres Mechanics won the Highland Football League Cup in September 1984 – obviously not yesterday or the day before!!! The two most memorable things about that day, to me anyway, were the two hours spent standing in the freezing cold (no seated stands in those days) in Elgin. The other was the local radio announcement immediately after the game, that there would indeed be “dancing in the streets of Forres tonight”.

The more opportunities I had to talk with Eddie, the more I began to realise how strongly principled he was. We would talk about the lives of people less fortunate that ourselves, particularly children. Eddie spoke about his thoughts on how young people should grow up with the ability to maintain their chosen lifestyles and careers in the full knowledge of cause and consequence.

Recently Eddie had used his connections at Falkirk Football Club to support fundraising ventures run by my son's school, providing financial sponsorship and items for charity auctions. This was all done without seeking any thanks or acknowledgement.

I really just want to say publicly that I am horrified and sickened by the mob mentality comments of so called football "fans" and "experts" over the causes, reasons for and method of Eddie's departure from Falkirk Football Club.

So, if you're reading this Eddie, thanks for everything. I forgive you for reducing me to tears on occasion. Your leaving is Falkirk's loss and I look forward to hearing what you get up to next and whatever/wherever it is, the people there will have their lives enrichened by having you among them. I just hope they realise it!!

Another award - thanks Doodles!!!

2009-08-26T12:52:00.000-07:00

I received this award today From Donna a.k.a. Doodles Dumpkins) who has just this week joined the blogging world with a very pretty blog here. So many many thanks to Donna.

The conditions of this award are that I must name the person who has given the award and list their blog and link to it. (Done!!) I must list 10 honest things about myself. I must put a copy of The Honest Scrap Logo on my blog. I must select at least seven other worthy bloggers & list their links. I must notify the bloggers of the award.

As I've already made this list I'm sure I will be forgiven for just copying it up as I'm really quite a boring person with very little to say for myself LOL!!

So here goes :

I hate ironing
I wish I could give up smoking
I don’t think I’m a creative paper crafter
I would give my last anything to someone who needed it more than me – but would have to give it long thought when it comes to my K&Co Blue Awning papers!!!
I don’t recognise stress in myself
I was a Scottish Under 18 archery champion
When my numbers come up, it’s a house by the sea for me
I’m terrible with money
My favourite colour is blue
I wanted to be a nurse when I was young but it wasn’t to be.

My 7 worthy bloggers are

Valerie-Jael whose work is absolutely stunning - go see!!

My dear friend Maria who in her very limited spare time produces some beautiful work and in her blog reminds us of the things in life which truly matter

Dyan Reaveley of Art from The Heart who workshops I aspire to attend at least once!!

Sall in Devon from her Aunty Gill

Sue - if you know her, you love her!

Caz - for courage

And last but by no means least - Ann Caldwell who first gave me this award - thanks Ann for my weekly doses of pure creativity!!

Gillx

The best laid plans ...............

2009-08-23T12:26:00.001-07:00

Or to Quote Burns accurately in "To A Mouse"

"The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men, Gang aft agley,"

Here I am at the end of three weeks holiday from work and I seem to have so little to show for it. But then how often are we subject to influences beyond our control e.g. health, weather, other people's needs/wishes?

Anyway, here I sit, having determined today to get at last a little light crafting done before my life resumes it's normal hectic pace again tomorrow

First creation made using a new Cuttlebug die set and scraps from a secret project which will accompany this card. Also took a chance to air my Rhona Farrer Swirl stamps and my new Dex Drop Brilliance ink pads:

Next card came about when I was browsing through some printouts of downloads from Digistamp Boutique. Some Brenda Pinnick papers, titles cut using Cricut, unearthed my watercolour pencils and came up with this which, for some reason best known to myself, really pleases me.

The weather up here has been abysmal for the last few days and generally when I've headed towards the shed, Charlie has been hot on my heels and is quite happy to sit and keep my company!! On the days the other week when I couldn't really get up and about very easily, he acted as a perfect temperature hot water bottle, seeming to know just where I was sore and how to snuggle in without too much pressure. He's such a big softy and I just adore him.

Yesterday I was still in the throes of some flu-type lurgy and decided to snuggle on the cough in the afternoon and came across the most fabulous film, 84 Charing Cross Road. The lead characters of Helen Hanff and Frank Doel were played beautifully by Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins. I sat engrossed for the whole of the film and tonight am ordering the book of the same name, as well as Helene Hanff's Duchess of Bloomsbury Street. I will say no more but urge you, if you love a truly good film which doesn't contain sex or violence, to spare yourself a couple of hours and sit and watch it.

And so I must be off, to prepare the workday clothes and paraphernalia, and prepare for the sleepless night which always precedes my return to work after any lengthy absence. Strange thing that!

Take care

TTFN

Shopping, school and Demented Dad

2009-08-20T11:03:00.000-07:00

Well dear reader

It's been a funny old week since I last wrote.

My darling boy was home from Friday until Wednesday as it was his birthday on Tuesday and there was no way no how he was going to spend that important day in school. The little soul was as good as gold the whole weekend with lots of interaction in the form of requests for "tickles", "tig" and endless food. This boy looks like a pencil with the wood scraped off so goodness only knows where all the food goes. I think he burns it off as soon as he digests it!

OH took Ross back to school yesterday morning and at about 11.30 the phone goes and the conversation runs:

"Gill?"

"Yes Dad?"

"What are you doing just now?"

"Not a lot - why?"

"Good - get yourself down here now before I put this b***y paint away. I'll give you breakfast when you come down."

By way of explanation, my Dad is a true highlander and a man of few words!! The background to the conversation, as far as I knew at that point, was that he had been instructed the previous day, in mu mum's absence, to paint their small living room. It had also been planned that the Council would arrange uplift of their three piece suite that day as a new one was to be on the books.

So off I trotted like a dutiful daughter. On arrival my opinion was sought of the paint job - but what can you really say about Barley White? Mum and Dad were standing looking at me expectantly so I dutifully responded that it looked "Fine" (my most hated word in the English vocabulary!!!

In the adjoining dining room I noticed the should-have-been departed suite lying. When I asked why it was still there Dad reported that the Council men had appeared the previous day to collect it as arranged but that he had sent them away empty-handed. When I asked why he replied that my not-so-darling husband had commented that it would be good for our conservatory. OVER MY DEAD BODY - MEN!!!! My mum was well aware of my thoughts on that matter and was hiding in the kitchen trying not to wet herself laughing.

Meantime my OH had arrived in response to my text to get himself down to Dad's. Needless to say the men in the family were informed that the aforementioned suite was going to the council tip and nowhere else - certainly not within a mile of our house!!! Gill 1 - Men 0.

Longs story cut short, I had to phone the appropriate Council Department and ask for the suite to be uplifted. When the 12 year old girl on other end of phone asked for details I gave them and explained that the job had already been requested. She asked why the job hadn't been done as had been called in some 9 days previously. I explained that indeed they had but that my darling dad in his demented state had sent them away and told them he had changed his mind. I could sense that the girl was struggling with all this.

"So our men did come but they didn't take the item?"
"That's right"
"Why?"
"Because my father has dementia and got confused and sent them away without the item"
"Ooooh"
"So I can I please arrange for the item to be uplifted?"
"Can you hold the line a moment please?"
"No problem"

The girl comes back to my remarkably promptly and says that the item will be uplifted tomorrow (Today) but can was please ensure that it is outside the house and repeated this request about three times. I think the men didn't want to deal with the demented pensioner again!!

All the while this conversation is being relayed on hands-free round the kitchen table and my mum and dad are sitting in kinks and OH (who lacks our familial sense of humour) is just sitting shaking his head.

For the avoidance of doubt (in case anyone reading this knows the aforementioned Mr Sutherland) my dad is of extremely sound mind (although his hips are a bit iffy these days) and indeed lectured on psychiatry for about 30 years. He was however greatly tickled by the notion of losing his marbles and for the remainder of the day referred to himself as "your poor demented Dad". I have not enquired today as to whether the suite made a safe interrupted departure from their back garden where OH and I deposited yesterday immediately after the telephone conversation!!!

OF greater excitement to me yesterday was the arrival of my Cuttlebug from Cutting Edge Crafts. Fab price and fab service from them!

In addition I got a couple of embossing folders delivered:-

Birds and Swirls

And Leafy Branch

I could easily fall in love with this little machine!

Went off shopping today with mate Tania to Craft At Home and haven't spent such a joyous stash-filled hour in such a long time. This shop is filled with the most delectable stash assortment I've come across and adore their K & Co!!!! The two ladies who were serving us (repeatedly) were absolutely fabulous - funny, knowledgeable and absolutely ace saleswomen. Hence why T and I were both back at the till about 5 times between us. There is a funny story about this but if you want to read about it look here. If you want to meet these two wonders in person, visit Craft At Home in Blantyre or visit their stand at the SECC in October.

Will stop boring you to death now dear reader and put details of my crafty purchases on blog later.

Before I go I just want to send the biggest sparkiest hugs I can to Maria and Steven, mother and son, who endured the trauma and worry of Steven's general anaesthetic today. Hope all went well and without cause for concern.

TTFN

Gillx

Girls on Safari

2009-08-13T14:30:00.000-07:00

Good evening dear follower

I woke this morning and realised it would be the last day of my daughter's summer holidays during which we would have a chance to do something interesting without having to take into account the interests and thoughts of the male members of the household.

Accordingly I asked Alexandra what she wanted to do and her instant answer was "Safari Park". Well, the sun was shining, the housework can always wait and it's only 45 minute drive so it was all systems go. A quick call to my mum confirmed that she was up for this mini adventure. So by 12.15 we were parked up at Blair Drummond and ready for a bit fun.

See my slideshow below for some of my fave pics from the day. Have to say though, it's very much still a case of "Meerkats Rule!!"

We had a really fab afternoon and even found time to visit Chimp Island but unfortunately I couldn't get any good shots as I was on the wrong side of the boat - trust me!!

All in all, a fab day which might have started off pretty poorly with news that I'm more than likely going to need surgery to get rid of all this pain I'm getting - but that'll be a while yet so no point in fretting. Onwards and upwards!

Definitely need to get some scrapping done in the last week of the holidays, I think a Meerkat page is a must!

Now, must head for bed as am off down to collect Ross in the morning to bring him home for a long weekend as it's his birthday on Tuesday, so he's home until Wednesday - Yay!!!!

TTFN

Holiday Week 1 - Mixed Fortunes

2009-08-11T04:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader

Here I am with one week of the holidays gone already. The first few days were a miox of the usual stuff without the hassle of having to fit work in around them! On Thursday I had a rare opportunity to spend time with Ross down at school. These visits come in the middle of his spell between arriving back at school on a Monday and coming back home again on the following Friday. A welcome break for all concerned. We spend time just off campus in a cabin set in the middle of a beautiful sensory garden.

When you enter the garden you come under/through (never sure which) a gazebo over which is growing the most gorgeous honeysuckle with gorgeous yellow flowers and these amazing spirals blooms - they're just amazing to look at and I'm sorry my photography doesn't do them justice!

The cabin is up on your right and is just my idea of bliss - when my numbers come up on the Lottery, I'm having one just like this as a craft hideaway, complete with kitchen, bathroom and two bedrooms!!!

You stand on the balcony and look out and see nothing but trees, trees and more trees with no traffic noises - bliss. My favourite tree is the red acer in front of the balcony. In the sunshine the upper sides of the leaves are dark red and the under sides are bright crimson but again my photography just doesn't do this any credit.

We had a lovely time chilling out on what was an absolutely gorgeous day down in that neck of the woods. There was scarcely a breeze, the air was warm, and Ross and I were quite happy just spending time together just the two os us - an unfortunately too rare occurrence. I took time, while he was watching a dvd, to try and capture some of the delights of this little haven for your enjoyment.

Friday saw me heading off to the hospital for more scans in an effort to locate the source of this damned lurgy which is causing me so much grief. Hopefully an answer this week! Friday night and my parents, DD and I went off partying in wild Coatbridge at a surprise joint 60th birthday party for my aunt and uncle. A fab time was had by all but guess who forgot her camera - idiot!!

After a lazy Saturday morning I got settled in the shed to do some serious crafting and about 4'ish remembered that I had to venture into the village to do a few errands so off I set. Fifteen minutes later, in middle of ASDA no less, I was struck down with the most awful abdominal pain imaginable - in ASDA I ask you!!! Weel, managed to stagger to car before passing out, made a phonecall to hubby who duly arrived with my Mum in order to retrieve me and OH's car. Funny how it's always his car I get stranded with when this pain comes on? Maybe it's the car? Anyway, that was me laid up until about lunch-time yesterday. I was truly not a happy bunny as I had to forgo a long-awaited visit to Kelvingrove Art Gallery so that Alexandra could see the Dr Who exhibition. By Sunday morning it was patently clear I was going nowhere so bravely (with martyr hat on) suggested that Hubby took DD off, just the two of them. No arguments from either of them - I'm not a good patient!!!

Anyway, by Monday night I was muchos imrpoved so had a visit from the lovely Tania and the even more grogous MacDuff, hr fourmmonth old Westie pup. Isn't it amazing how four month olds, animal or human, can totally kill conversation (in the nicest possible way)? That little pooch is so cute!!!

Anyway, today finds me back to something resembling a normal looking (it's all relative mind you) so felt at leasst a little blogging was called for while waiting for rain to go off. Crafting planned for later, finishing the projects which were so rudely cut off before completion on Saturday!!

More later!!!

Thanks for allowing me to bore you dear reader!!

Gx

Three Beautiful Weeks

2009-08-02T12:57:00.000-07:00

Yes dear Reader, that's how long I've got off work. Three lovely weeks to do pretty much as a I please, when I please. Except that is, when I need to act as taxi driver to daughter, do occasional h*******k and i*****g. I plan to get off up to St Andrews this week, we all as a family just adore the place. I have a friend who is a golf pro and he's given me his card and that acts as an invitation to play a bit of some of the lovely courses up there.

For me there are rituals to be observed at the start of the summer break. You'll laugh at this one, but if you're a woman, perhaps not. High on the to do list is a handbag for the holidays. This year's delectation is a bright red moc-croc affair. Now I don't go for big expense - it's purely to make me smile and this one definitely does the trick so let me know what you think. Subdued it ain't!!!

Another thing that I love about the holidays s that first Sunday evening when you realise that you don't need to rush around like an eejit making sure all the ironing is done ready for the working week - now that really is my idea of bliss!!

While I was in the garden tonight pondering that particular pleasure, I noticed some lovely new blooming additions to my collection of pots. The first was this gorgeous crimson geranium.

And then this little beauty hiding up near my little corner of crafting heaven way down the bottom of the garden

Ross has been home this weekend, and has been in fantastic form, although going by the look of his face, perhaps that hasn't been the case at school this week. We just keep applying the arnica cream and pray for calm for his little soul.

I was all set to do the return trip to school with him tomorrow but OH wants to do it so Alexandra and I will stay home and do some errands and make lunch for his return. Alexandra has music lessons in the afternoon so I shall have a genuine couple of hours R&R as OH is working for the next two weeks. I SHALL NOT ACT PLEASED ABOUT THIS OMMISSION ON HIS PART - I should write 100 lines about that little fact!!!

The week will then be free for other jaunts and explores.

Take are dear reader and I shall post regularly from different destinations for your delectation and undoubted boredom!!

Gx

Missing Pieces and healing times

2009-07-29T13:41:00.000-07:00

Good evening dear reader

I know I've been a really bad blogger of late but I'm afraid I've just been weary beyond belief. The last 6 months have been a bit hard going physically but hopefully that will come to an end sooner rather than later.

Anyway, come Friday of this week I'm off work for three whole weeks - BLISS. It's been manic at work this month with everyone else taking holidays and me holding the fort. It's been good fun but a bit hard going at times.

However, even better, my darling boy is home this weekend - a double celebration methinks.

A good friend of mine, Trudy, sent me the link for this YouTube video:

No matter the country, no matter the family, what this guy says rings true to anyone who has any experience of autism, however near or far. In my worst days, or more to the point, on Ross's worst days, I will readily admit that I hate autism and what it does to people. Like most physical conditions/diseases/syndromes, it is so damned unfair to the people affected. I don't just mean the individual with the label, but everyone in their circle. How so I get by? I just remind myself that there's always someone a hell of a lot worse off - and sometimes it works.

A less well known fact, dear reader, about my life, is that I share it with my darling 22 year old stepson. Andrew is 22, gorgeous and as good-natured as the day is long. Full of laughter and cheek but never a cross word or unkind action. The fact that he has profound and multiple learning difficulties and is profoundly affected by cerebral palsy are really just a sideline fact. I wonder if you are ever walking in your local town or village and see someone
, obviously with immense personal care needs, using a wheelchair with support? Maybe because of our experiences I'm aware but do you ever give thought to the provision of toilet facilities for these people. I think it really is tokenism at best in about 95% of cases. What if they can't sit on the loss - with our without support? How would you feel if it was you or your loved one and they had to be laid on a cold dirty floor to have your basic needs attended to? I know you're wondering where I'm going with this particular rant and here it is. There is a petition you can sign online to help raise awareness of this deficiency and campaign for increased appropriate facilities, with changing beds - adult sized ones, ones which are variable height to help the carer's backs. I could go on and on about this particular issue but instead I ask you to take a dew minutes to click here and sign the Changing Places petition. If you're in England you can do the same here. Think about it - if you need to!

Right - here endeth the sermon!! All blogs for the next three weeks will be fun, fun and more fun.

Thanks for reading.

Gillx

Thunder Clouds and Silver Linings

2009-06-29T12:02:00.001-07:00

Good evening dear reader

I think it's fair to say that I've been a bit distracted of late what with one thing and another. I was on a friend's blog recently and saw this imaginative way of summing things up without going into detail and I know Sue will forgive me - imitation being the purest form of flattery and all that! It really all got a bit intense for a few days but it's passed now and I'm dealing with it now the best way I know how - just get on with it and don't even think about moaning. My thanks though to Eileen for providing the knowing and listening ear.

Anyway. On a less challenging note, last week saw Graduation taking place at work. A few of our casual staff were graduating this summer and so I thought I'd make the effort to do some card which turned into word books. There I was burning the midnight oil, following helpful input from my friend Tania!

I have to confess that I scraplifted the idea from the Cricut Crafts forum and yet again counted my blessings where having my Cricut are concerned! You'll have guessed the the University colour is green which I put up along with the black of the graduation robes.

The "congrats" emblem was a fab find on the "George and Basic Shapes" cartridge (I think!) and the photos don;t really do it justice.

However, my favourite touch was these beautiful little silver effect lion rampant brads with a little bling stone atop - I absolutely adore them and am pretty sure they are by Delish. The tartan ribbon was a piece I had bought "just in case" at some point in the dim and distant past and only goes to prove that gut purchases can be wise ones!!!

The sun shone on Wednesday and Thursday and the Graduates all looked respectively handsome and beautiful and associated family and friends looked suitably proud. I think it's easy to forget that it's really the culmination of everything the University is about when we're all so busy running a really busy and large department like Sports Development. Anyway, it was a lovely end to what had been a fairly horrendous 7 days, which included a good bout of concussion and more tears than I care to think about.

Also, to top matters off, I went for a scan to see if a source could be found for some recurring pain I've been suffering and half an hour alter the radiographer lassie told me there was something on my right ovary which was probably causing all the bother. I have to wait until Monday next to get the final result - joy!!!

In search of a silver lining to a busy Monday I ventured out into the garden and was delighted to see that colour has arrived:

In the past I have been a real fuchsia fanatic but let it fall by the wayside when family matters were more pressing. My dad however, bless him, seemed determined to reawaken my interest and presented me with these two beauties about a month ago. Thanks Dad!!!!

On the bright side, schools here have broken up for the summer so no more roaring at daughter to get out her pit five mornings out of seven LOL!! Sadly, it's also a reminder that there's no such things as ordinary long summer holidays for my darling boy! It's more than he could cope with, and so we all make do with our treasured second weekends and occasional long weekends. Treasure these long breaks ladies when you start wishing your children back to school by the third week of the holidays. It's yet another one of those things that you don't miss until it's gone.

Here I am being a right little misery - my apologies. Still as my good friends on Docrafts would say - better in than out - eh ladies?

Right, onwards and upwards and off out to retrieve my washing in this lovely evening sunshine - long may it last. Only five weeks and then I'm off work for three glorious weeks - yippee!!!

Take care dear reader.

Gillx

Look what I got - pardon the grammer!!!!

2009-06-12T02:13:00.000-07:00

I was totally and utterly gobsmacked when I went on to Anne Caldwell's blog yesterday for my daily dose of creativity, and found that she had given me this award. Thank you so much Ann.

The conditions of the award are: I must thank the person who gave me the award. List their blog and link to it. I must list 10 honest things about myself. I must put a copy of The Honest Scrap Logo on my blog. I must select at least seven other worthy bloggers & list their links. I must notify the bloggers of the award. That'll be my challenge for the weekend.

Now, 10 honest things about me - well here goes:

I hate ironing
I wish I could give up smoking
I don’t think I’m a creative paper crafter
I would give my last anything to someone who needed it more than me – but would have to give it long thought when it comes to my K&Co Blue Awning papers!!!
I don’t recognise stress in myself
I was a Scottish Under 18 archery champion
When my numbers come up, it’s a house by the sea for me
I’m terrible with money
My favourite colour is blue
I wanted to be a nurse when I was young but it wasn’t to be.

My 7 worthy bloggers are:

While I'm on I just want to let Sue, Maria and Gina know that I'm thinking about them as they face their respective troubled times. We all face problems in life and it's how we deal with them and cope with them that determines what kind of people we really are. They are three lovely ladies who are toughing it out with grace and I send them my love and encouragement.

Anyway, onwards and upwards and catch up soon.

Gillx

Come in Number 1366 and your time is.....

2009-05-31T12:46:00.001-07:00

Evening all

Yet again I've been a bad blogger and committed nothing to the ether for about a week. Why - too busy living but not doing anything of any real interest.
Today however, a couple of things of interest to some though probably not all.

Firstly Alexandra took part in the Falkirk Race For Life on the most gorgeous morning imaginable, if a bit hot for a 5k run. It was her first run and she took part in the LHS Babes Team (LHS being Larbert High School) and she came in inn just over 35 minutes. Not bad for her first run and the really high temps, especially up in the forest parts.

I've done the race a couple of times myself and never cease to be overwhelmed by the emotion of the whole event. You can't help but read the comments on the runners vests but I try so hard not to for fear of ending up a blubbering wreck.

Anyway I'm so proud of my girl and even more amazed that she belted looking to the finishing line looking as cool and composed as when she's started. I'd have been a greasy little puddle!!!

My girl - No 1366 of 2,200.

What else? Oh yes, just for my mate Sue Bubbles and her kitty Bubbles, I've finally remembered to blog a photo of the King of Cool - Charlie Parker

In the absence of Ross, this is the real man of the house. He really likes to think he rules the roost. We got him as a rescue cat about 7-8 years ago and uses up his lives on a regular basis and just keeps on going. He is Alexandra's cat really and loves his girl and sleeps at the bottom of her bed - waiting until she's asleep then circling round and round until the poor girl is squashed against the wall on about 6 inches of bed and this big furry brute has all the rest to himself. He is considerate however, and doesn't wake her at 4 in the morning to get out - oh no, he comes to me for that one!!

Anyway, not a particularly awesome post but had to be done!

Take care

TTFN

A Good Luck book and a silver lining

2009-05-24T12:32:00.000-07:00

Have been way too tired over the last week to even drop a blog line over the past week. OH has been working lates and have been running about after DD and trying to keep on top of housework and working some long days etc.

Anyway, on the bright side this has been Ross's weekend home which is always a joy, bless him. He continues to make progress and finally seems to be acquiring the better quality of life which is his due.

At work, we are losing one of our grads (graduate assistants) - Rona. She's off to work with the Minister for Sport in Zambia - how's that for different? It's not her first trip out there and I know she'll do a fab job - she's a wonderful girl. So come Tuesday, no more Rona and I for one will miss her perennially smiling face and infective laugh.

I was asked to make a leaving card for Rona for Tuesday - aaargh. As you'll know, I'm no cardmaker. I'm well aware that there's be a lot of people who will want to leave a message for Rona, so I decided to make a little book with plenty of journalling sports for people to scribble on. There are also plenty of little tags for people to use for their messages. The papers are from a Zen Garden kit which I got ages ago from QVC. I have it in red and blue and opted to use the blue papers for this little book. I managed to get this done over this weekend - think I work better under pressure. I think this also qualifies me for the "Using old stash" challenge over on Docrafts. Excuse the poor quality photos - fading light and shaky hands don't do the work any favours. See what you think below - comments good and constructive welcome!!!

Now for the silver lining bit of the evening. Those of you with a weak disposition turn away now though!!!! In school this week Ross has been sick a couple of times although appeared to be neither up nor down in between thee bouts. Anyway, yesterday I was in the sitting room when I heard him belting to the bathroom, and then an ominous cough and splash!. Poor little soul was really quite sick but not distressed. I hear you asking where the silver lining bit is to this story. Well, Ross is now 11 and a half years old and really struggles with personal care matters. He would until recently have been sick where he was, but seems to have learned very quickly about the appropriate place for this - given his autism, this is a really major achievement so another three cheers for the boy!!!! He's been fine today so hopefully the bug or whatever it is is passing.

As I type I'm watching Britain's Got Talent and as a true Scot I have to support Susan Boyle but boy, those dancers - Diversity - were just fabulous. I did think Susan was a bit nervous, but once she got into her stride we were reminded of why she caused such a stir in the auditions - and SHE's THROUGH TO THE FINAL - well done Susan!!!!! Diversity have just been voted through by the judges - well done boys!

This week looks like being another busy one as OH is working late every night so it will be up to me to run around after DD for various music lessons, Guides, athletics etc. No rest up at the weekend as I've got a busy day Saturday and DD is running in Race for Life on Sunday in Falkirk . Hoping to spend Friday night down at the school with Ross all being well and time allowing.

Back to work for me tomorrow and Ross is back to school, as is Alexandra. No half-term up here but at least the weekend has been dry and warmish for the dreaded w*****g.

Hope you've all enjoyed the weekend and the sun has shone for you. Must go get organised for the day to come.

TTFN

It's funny what you can get done when.........

2009-05-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

......... when you're confined to barracks for supposed R&R.

I set off down to the school on Thursday and popped in by the house to pick up some bits and pieces for Ross. Wasn't feeling too hot so took some painkillers and other meds. Good move in that they got me down to the school.

Long story cut short - by 4 in afternoon I was lying flat out on a sofa in the school in agony. Had no choice but to lie there until meds kicked in a bit. Big problem was that there was no way I was going to be able to drive the return 60 miles home!!! OH was working so my precious Dad and brother-in-law came to my rescue. I was finally able to get up by about 8.30 and so Dad drove down with Al for company to the school and Al drove Jim's car back up with me in it. What a kerfuffle. Anyway, needless to say there was no way I was fit for work yesterday so did little else than mooch around and make sure that DD had packed everything she needed for Guide camp this weekend (there's another story!!).

Anyway, got up this morning still feeling pretty tender and with all the energy of a newborn baby. Decided this afternoon that enough was enough and ventured down to my little haven at the bottom of the garden while OH was working on my car in garage (hence why I had his car on Thursday!!). I recently downloaded some freebie images from Tinker & Co and decided that perhaps a little gentle card making was the order of the day. First up was some beautiful tree images and backing papers which aren't really done justice by my camera or scissors but see what you think.

I then remembered that I had an entry to do for a fat book by the end of this week and was totally flummoxed as theme was really quite vague. Knowing the recipient I decided to opt for using some of my treasured and gradually dwindling stock of K & Company's Blue Awning .

If nothing else, by this point, I felt that I had ticked one box on my ever present, ever-growing "to do" list over the past three days.

Doing a spot of surfing after making dinner (no eating for me) I got involved in a very funny cyber conversation and ended up drooling at the thought of a big bowl of M&S's chocolate profiteroles and Mackie's vanilla ice cream (it's gotta be the best ice cream i've ever tasted and is definitely the cure for all evils). Going back down the garden I remembered some other cute downloads from Tinker & Co and know just the lady to send this to!!!

Thanks for listening to the groans of the day. Tomorrow can only be better.

TTFN

It's good to try something new

2009-05-12T13:09:00.000-07:00

Evening all

Another busy day in the midst of what is turning into a hectic ole' week. As I said yesterday I thought I'd dip my toe into the world of water colouring. I treated myself to some WH Smith watercolour pencils and sat myself down last night and gave it a bash with some Tilda images. Has to be said I think the images looked a lot cuter before I got the paintbrush and pencils on them though!! If any of you have any ideas about where I'm going wrong or how I can improve them then fire away - I'm all ears.

I've had to arrange to take time out later this week to go back down to the school (another 120 mile round trip) as OH who usually makes the trip is working late and Ross will expect someone there so can't let the little soul down. I have to admit it will be lovely to have him all to myself as he id a definite Daddy's Boy and will generally walk over fire if it means getting past me to get to his beloved Dad LOL!!!

Also have to help Alexandra get organised for Guide Camp this weekend (fingers crossed for dry weather) and am rapidly running out of time to get all the things organised that need to done. Something's got to give and looks like it may be my precious Wednesday night swimming 1:1 lesson - sorry Sue.

Must remember and say that I'm delighted to see one of my favourite ladies, Gina, back on the Docrafts forum tonight - but just take it easy Gina, you don't want a relapse!!!

Bagged myself a bargain this morning, a snake LED torch thingy for my laptop, free and with no P&P - go to Grab It Now. Found out about this site from one of the girls over on UK Scrappers and think I will be waiting for my morning emails to see what's on offer each day. Let me know how you get on if any of you decide to give it a whirl.

Got another lovely free download this morning from Tinker & Co, just perfect for summer, so why don't you pop over and have a nose. Some beautiful images and matching papers available.

Must go and get on so take care all.

TTFN

Meeting Tilda and the ability to breathe easily again

2009-05-11T13:21:00.000-07:00

Hell it's been a long day and it's only 9.30. I got up as quietly as I could at 6 this morning as I wanted to get into work early but didn't want to disturb my bed fellows!!! Ross had fallen asleep in our bed last night - inside his sleeping bag - complete with bag of pickled onion Monster Munch. Shower was first order of day as I think I ended up sleeping on half of them LOL!

Into work just before 8 leaving Jim to sort Ross for his return to school - I know, I'm such a wimp. it's just a job I still hate two years down the line and only do it when Jim and/or my mum aren't available. Anyway I hit the ground running at work and for the next 3 hours all I heard was "Gill, how do I..." or "Gill, can you..." or "Gillllll, I need.......".

I had to leave work at 11.30 and mercifully the roads were reasonably OK. Even better, after three days of constant bucketing rain, there wasn't a cloud in the sky and the 60 miles to the school passed by really quickly. The reason for the visit to the school was for Ross's half yearly review. You'd think that after all these years I would take these things in my stride but there's still that little demon poking me in the back saying "You're getting complacent - watch out". However aforesaid little beggar was wrong on this occasion and it was all good. The staff in his new house are delighted with his progress, as is his new teacher, a lovely girl called Jane. Despite the fact it's only been two months since his move to Cumnock, his progress is quite visible and all concerned are shaking down and becoming accustomed to each other. Their dedication and compassion was summed up for me recently when I acknowledged to a member of staff that I was aware she had come on duty early because Ross was struggling - she said to me "Gill - I wouldn't have it any other way". The lady in question knows Ross as well as we know him ourselves and is a constant source of comfort and reassurance to us at home and I know the same 100 fold to Ross.

After the meeting Jim and I got chatting to other staff working with Ross and before we knew it it was late and we had to fly up the road before DD got home and thought we'd abandoned her. These meetings really exhaust me with the result that I nearly dozed off at the wheel so Jim had to keep chatting with windows open as we were in the midst of a 20 mile stretch of motorway with no laybys! So glad to get home.

After dinner (courtesy of Tesco at Silverburn!!!) I had a wash, got changed, and dug out my watercolour pencils. Reason being that a kind lady had sent me some of the Magnolia Tilda images for me to "try before I buy". Plonked myself in conservatory in lovely evening sunshine and just chilled for an hour - I'd forgotten how therapeutic a bit of colouring in can be, and this was my first attempt at water colouring but they're actually OK. Not great, but OK. Will post pics tomorrow night. Can definitely see how people can become addicted to the little girl from Sweden.

Right must go and sort myself for tomorrow so will wish you a good evening and a restful night.

TTFN

A bit of this, a bit of that, and nothing in particular

2009-05-10T11:58:00.000-07:00

Well, my good intentions about regular blogging seem to have gone right out the window this week. However, a good friend from the Docrafts forum has been poorly this week and unable to access her computer so I thought I'd do my bit for when she's able to come on and catch up.

Work has been busy with long days and especially Wednesday when he had the annual Dumyat Hill Run. History on Uni website reads

"This race was created by a member of the Psychology Department. A £1 bet was placed that no member of the University could, without mechanical assistance, do the return trip from the Gannochy Pavilion bar to Dumyat in less than an hour. On Graduation Day 1971 the £1 bet was lost by 3 minutes. The first 'official' race was held in 1972. The event is now held annually on the first or second Wednesday evening in May. It attracts over 150 runners. The event is integrated into the Scottish Hill Running Calendar and it attracts professional runners and a number of students and staff. This year's event on Wednesday 6 May 2009 attracted 258 entries."

Well that kept me occupied until late on on Wednesday night as despite the pouring rain we had a really big turnout and I do all the entries and compute all the finishing times.

The rest of the week has been what can best be described as a bit of a guddle. My motivation seems to have all but vanished and I've been a crabbit witch at times.

The highlight of the week, obviously, was Ross's arrival home on Friday afternoon and he has been on really good form over the weekend with very little in the way of temper or aggressive behaviour. He's been really funny as well. I don't know if you remember the "Kanine Krunchies" song from 101 Dalmatians? Well he's been singing that all weekend in this high pitched wee voice - so cute.

In an effort to banish the gloom today I've been a regular domestic goddess and got the ironing up to date - no mean feat let me tell you considering how much I loathe and detest it.

When I finish here I'm going to plonk myself down and watch The Da Vinci Code. I have never read the book but have strangely enough just finished Dan Brown's Angels and Demons. that took me a while to gt into but once there I had difficulty putting it down. A fabulous read with a real twist towards the end. It was so good that I don;t think I'll bother going to see the film as I don't see a way in which it could truly positively reflect the book. As I haven't read TDVC I'm happy enough to watch the film and may even borrow my dad's copy of the book if I enjoy the film.

We have a big day coming off tomorrow and I suspect that's what's been at the back of my mind this week with theresulting bad humour but will fill you in on that tomorrow.

Final message is to Gina who knows who she is. Sorry you'vebeen under the weather but by the time you read this you'll be feeling better so don't go overding it girl!!!!

Hope you've all had a good weekend and thanks for reading!!!

TTFN

The Boy's on a full-scale charm offensive

2009-05-02T12:16:00.000-07:00

Evening all

Before I forget, Happy National Scrap booking Day, especially to all my buddies on the Do crafts Scrap booking forum - have you left any BP kits for tomorrow? Am going to stand and do the dreaded i*****g while the parade of goodies is passing before my eyes!!

Well, today's post is largely abut the boy (just for a change). He went back to school on Monday as cool as a cucumber - no fussing, screaming or any of the other undesirable behaviours he's been known to exhibit when displeased. Reports all week have been of compliance with his programme, smiles, laughter and the giving out of many hugs. We've always known that Ross can be a real little charmer when the mood takes him but it's unlike him for the mood to last for more than a day! All week the girls working with him have been using words like "fab" "great" "cute" and best of all "no SIB (self injury behaviour) over and over again. It sounds like they're all having a ball and it would appear that Ross is working really hard to improve his speech and the length of the small phrases he can manage. He's really good at the short ones like "no school tomorrow" but then that's kids all over isn't it LOL!!! It's all just timely reminder that the majority of us take it so much for granted being able to communicate our hopes, fears, desires and general thoughts so easily in a verbal form - how easily we forget the people for whom that's just not possible, or near nigh impossible.

Anyway, we know that despite his difficulties Ross is a really smart little cookie and it seems that finally, 11½ years down the line, he's starting to make some visible inroads into some of the most trying aspects of the way autism affects him. He has a big multi-disciplinary review in just over a week so hopefully some of his achievements of late will be highlighted. Just hope I'm not putting the kiss of death on all this by posting about it - that really would be sod's law!

DD, Alexandra, went to the hairdressers this morning and I left her to it - at 13 she knows what she wants. She came out looking gorgeous with her hair merely trimmed to a shorter version of her bob. Our girl is growing up so beautifully - must take some photos before I forget.

I took delivery today of my new stamp from Foxcraft Cards - Graduation Poppy - and I'll reveal her to you tomorrow hopefully.

Lastly, a message to Maria. Maria, keep your chin up sweetie, you know that I know how hard it is at the moment and I just wish I could do something to help, so just know that I think of you every day (Stephen as well) and am sending you both cheering strengthening and brightening sparkles and hugs via t'internet. How I wish I was closer that I could do it in person.

Right folks, off to slob a bit in front of the TV and debate about whether to stay up for the launch of the Craft Day TSV on QVC. How much excitement can one woman cope with I ask you?!!!!

TTFN

Total Wipeout !!!

2009-05-01T06:05:00.000-07:00

Afternoon All

Such exciting news. One of my work colleagues, Rona, the loveliest, smiliest happiest person you could ever hope to meet, is flying our to Argentina tomorrow (Saturday) to compete in Total Wipeout. If you haven't already seen it, this programme has to be one of the best bits of television to hit our Saturday evening screens in a very long time. Certainly in our house we love it and Ross in particular just adores it and sits glued to his seat while it's on. Here at work we are all so proud of Rona and have no doubt that she will do fantastically well. Needless to say she is physically fit in the extreme and has been training like a good one of late since it was confirmed that she had been picked. Here at Stirling we all love our Rona and can't wait to hear how she gets on. I'll let you know when her particular episode is being put on air. By the way, she's doing all this while she trains for the Albert Bartlett Edinburgh Marathon on 31st May. La buena suerte mi chica y toma cuidado.

More later on more mortal deeds peeps - just wanted to post this for Rona in lieu of a Good Luck card!!!

TTFN

Happy Birthday Jude!!!

2009-04-28T13:14:00.001-07:00

In true awards fashion I'm going to work through time backwards since the last post.

Firstly, tomorrow if a dear friend's birthday, so Happy Birthday Jude for tomorrow, and I still find your confession about going to the dogs amusing. For those of you not familiar with Edinburgh, The Dogs is a restaurant and not a self-deprecating remark by Jude, funny and amusing as she is!! Have a lovely evening Jude and bring your precious boy in to see me again soon. Anyway, was driven to making a birthday card as it was too late to find a nice shop-bought (sweary words I know) one by the time I finished work tonight. Came up with this effort using my beloved K & Co's Blue Awning. Needless to say the selflessness of this sacrifice of one of my most beloved papers will be totally lost on the recipient LOL!!! Sue-Bubbles you know who you are and you will vouch for my sacrifice!

Also, Happy Birthday to step-daughter Suzie, for yesterday (told you I was working backwards!!!

Yesterday saw Ross heading back to school after a lovely peaceful weekend at home. Peaceful and Ross aren't two words I would usually use in the same sentence so it was indeed a weekend to be celebrated. Major achievement for all parties involved was Ross allowing me to give him a haircut (No. 4 clippers all over, with zero blade trim round the edges!). This had to be done as Ross was in danger of adopting his look-alike persona of Elvis!! Ross was one of those children who had to be given his first haircut immediately prior to his christening aged 11 weeks or the minister would have struggled to find his face. This is a pretty remarkable achievement as Ross is one of those individuals for whom a haircut is regarded as something, quite literally, as something akin to physical assault, except in autism it's probably actually more of a sensory assault which is a step too far. Anyway, I digress, as usual.

The weekend was spent in a haze of sleep, housework, time with Ross and watching TV. I've decided one of my new heroes is Marco Pierre White - you've just got to love the guy. He's nothing if not honest and I personally find him very endearing.

I also found time since last posting to visit Foxcraft Cards to order this cute little stamp as quite a few of our part-time staff at work graduate this summer and cards will be in order.

I logged onto Docrafts last night and the ladies of the scrapbooking forum are having a right royal debate about whether or not to buy the Brenda Pinnick Scrapper Keeper kit which they've all been waiting on coming over the from QVC USA. I personally am feeling more than a wee bit tempted and I know several ladies have confessed on UK Scrappers to already having made the purchase far ahead of the much awaited QVC Craft Day this Sunday.

Right, need to go and phone school to check on Ross. Two and a half years down the line and we still phone morning and night to check on our precious boy - it's just a slightly different way of life now. Thank goodness for free evening and weekend calls!

Right

Definitely for the off, so take care ladies, and sparkles to you all.

XXXXX

1 sleep to go - yippee!!!!!!!

2009-04-23T12:02:00.000-07:00

Well all,

I've sorted DS's room ready for his impending arrival tomorrow afternoon while I'll still be slogging away at work. Won't actually see him until I get home at about 5.30 - longest 4 hours in creation let me tell you.

Anyway, decided to have a seat in peace and quiet and do some blog-hopping. I've developed a bit of a fascination with card-making recently as I'm so pathetic at it. Found this love blog called Mel's Stampz. This girl has some lovely ideas and all her downloads are free which I think it pretty damn decent in the world of crafting so three cheers for Mel.

Also found another fab blog with loads of tips and techniques here - so many really different ideas - well different for me anyway that's for sure!!!

For those of yo0u who enjoy a little blog candy and the chance to win, pop over to Tinker & Co for some absolutely gorgeous pieces up for grabs.

Righty-ho, off to prepare supper for OH who'll be home before long and then, tomorrow morning - NO SLEEPS!!!!!!!!!

Take care all and thanks for reading my waffle!

Now I know

2009-04-22T06:01:00.001-07:00

As I have said before, probably to the point of boredom, I'm not good at the cardmaking thing. I'm also, in my defence, relatively new to paper crafting.

I always wondered how people made cards with lovely quirky little images. I just assumed that they had hundreds of little rubber stamps or the like.

I was doing a little bit of lunch=time blog-hopping while stuffing a very boring cheese roll down my throat and found a like to this fabulous site which had the most adorable and quirky images which you can buy and download to use forever. Armed with this knowledge combined with my lesson in watercolours and stuff at the weekend there will be no stopping me now LOL.

Can I just add that I feel like such an idiot for not realising that such sites existed - think I really need to venture onto some cardmaking forums!!!

Must go and get on with some work now.

TFL

Only 3 sleeps...........

2009-04-21T11:38:00.000-07:00

Here we are into another week and it's flying in at a rate of knots. The weekend flew in at a rate of knots and then here we are two days into the working week which means only 3 sleeps until Ross comes home for the weekend again - thank goodness.

When it was suggested that Ross be allowed to attend residential school some 60 miles from home we were all horrified and shell-shocked to say the least. It had never ever entered into our way of thinking. Bad enough that we allowed him to attend a "special school" but to have him away from home - that was never going to happen.

Probably the main reason that we agreed in the end was to allow DD a more normal life, especially as she was sue to start high school that year. Obviously we were meant to live more normal lives as adults as well but how many adults count their lives by in sleeps - sleeps until Ross comes home - home for home many sleeps - how many sleeps until he's home again.

For me it's probably been a bit easier because I've found activities to pass my evenings and every other weekend, but DD still struggles and so goes off down to visit Ross at the end of the first week to break up the long absence for both of them. We never ever wanted to use respite for Ross and indeed hardly ever had him away from us for even a night for the first 9 years of his life. I think the jury is probably still out on whether that was the right way to do.

Me, I think that as a parent, of course it's what you do, you don't have children to farm them out to unsuspecting relatives and others at any given opportunity. I'm not saying it's right, I'm just saying that's how I felt. So to go from having with us constantly through the good, bad and b***y awful times, to having him away from us for 11 days out of 14 was and still is a massive change.

Anyway, work and DD keep us both busy in the empty days and we've gradually become used to the house being just a little too big and quiet for a lot of the time.

Anyway, on a quieter weekend I settled myself down to making some cards for my SIL who's performing in Carousel this week. Now I'm no cardmaker, as I've said before, but felt I should make a bit of an effort so see below for some of the results. I mean "Good Luck" and "Carousel" - what was I meant to do really - answers on a postcard please!!!!LOL

Must go now and prepare some supper for OH who will be home soon - dutiful wife or what. The pack my bag for tomorrow as I've got swimming after work with my brave ally Sue - more about that particular saga later!! Also must lat the fab ladies on the Docrafts scrapbooking forum know that I've actually dared to make cards and didn't top myself in the process.

Night night all.

Take care.

TTFN

Busy but nice!!

2009-04-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a busy weekend but in a nice way, not one of those hectic one's where you rush around like an eejit with nothing to show for it!

Saturday morning and I was up nice and early and heading off to Flawless Designs in Stirling for a Saturday morning workshop on stamping.

I was with a lovely bunch of ladies and thankfully wasn't the only one new to stamping. We worked on about half a dozen images using different mediums with about 3 different stamps.

The one below was a stamped image covered with Perfect Pearls then brushed and rubbed out. Really loved this effect. I've seen it on cards etc and always wondered how they achieved it. Now I know!

The we were taught how to stamp and mask to use the same image several times to create one big image. Again - easy once you know how!

This one was stamped, heat embossed and coloured with pens and chalks. OK - so my colour sense wasn't great but the theory and practice was really enjoyable for this one.

This was the first card using the little flower and leave stamps from Habico - now I know how people do those lovely flowery borders!

And last but not least - some triple embossing - this was great fun!! Used gold embossing powder with some mica sprinkled in on the last melt before stamping into it.

Did some shopping for OH's birthday in the afternoon with my mum and DD then I had a nice quiet evening after dinner with TV, tea and not a lot else. First quiet Saturday evening in goodness knows how long.

Today started off with a spate of housework while OH went off to do some electrical stuff for Andrew (Stepson). When he came back DD had disappeared off with my mum and nephew to our local big park to run off some of his steam (he's 3½ - enough said!!). SO OH and I had some lunch and pottered about before going to meet DD in town to look at wallpaper for her bedroom.

An hour and a half later we came out with samples for 4 possibles - isn't home decor flowery these days - definitely not my taste, but it's her room so I'm just paying for the stuff and OH can get it put up.

Tonight, around making dinner, homemade beef olives and all the trimmings - YUM - I finished some thank you cards for my SIL.

As I think I mentioned before she's in the local AM. Dram production of Carousel and likes to give Good Luck (or should that read "Break a leg"?) cards to certain of her fellow cast members. Will try and upload some examples tomorrow.

So here we are, and it's Sunday night already. DD started her S2 exams tomorrow with Maths first to go - how glad am I that I'm past all that? OH half is working this week on a late shift so DD and I get some time to ourselves in the evenings after dinner. It's another busy week for me at work this week, but I've come to the conclusion that they're all going to be like that for a while to come. I'm looking forward to hearing the stories of the Sports Union Ball which was held last night. A notoriously drunken and riotous affair, some staff from our department were attending for at least the meal, so that'll be some gossip to kick the week off!!!

I'm on the long haul now until my three weeks off in August but I'm sure it'll pass fairly quickly if I just don't think about it. Plus I still have another week to try and fit in before the end of September but I think I may be tempted to have a couple of long weekends and keep a couple of days for emergencies/shopping trips!!

Anyway, enough from me - must go and get stuff organised for tomorrow - and so it all starts again!

TTFNxx

Sunday Sunshine

2009-04-19T03:49:00.001-07:00

Morning All

After a rare long lie, accompanied by tea and toast and a start on Dan Brown's Angels and Demons, I ventured downstairs to be met with the most glorious weather - and unexpected at that!! Hence the reason that the only weather forecast I believe is the one which greets my eyes.

The view above is the one facing due north from the back of our house.

This is the view north-east from the rear of the house, showing the Ochil Hills some 10 miles away.

Must go and make the most of the weather but just wanted to share it all with you while it lasts.

Catch up later. Off to search for wallpaper for DD's bedroom - a joy on a day such as this LOL!

TTFN.

Just one of those days..........

2009-04-13T11:39:00.001-07:00

We all have those days we'd really just rather forget don't we? Well for me, today has been one of them. Avoiding the risk of developing a hurricane style rant, suffice it to say that this is a day when I really and truly loathe and detest autism and they way it affects people. In my case I hate what it does to Ross. What should have been a simple trip into town to collect a drive-thru MacDonald's Happy Meal turned into full scale warfare which meant us only getting a third of the way and then having to turn back. Ross was in meltdown and OH who was in back of car with him wasn't far behind. A good few hours later Ross has settled by OH is still not worth the speaking to.

Anyway, on a brighter note, one of the regulars on the Docrafts forum, Clarky J, has some fab blog candy on offer including some gorgeous stamps. Pop over and have a look - it's gotta be worth it. The girl's sure done good going by the number of hits her blog's received!!!

Need to go and get ready for back to work tomorrow - think that may be a blessing in disguise LOL!!

TTFNxxx

The Best Laid Plans................

2009-04-12T12:30:00.000-07:00

I was so full of great intentions of being a diligent and regular little blogger and here I am, fallen by the wayside already!

Ross arrived home on Thursday which was lovely, but is also very time consuming. Between doing housework, helping DD with revision for her exams, keeping a watchful eye on Ross and generally just living, the time sure disappears at a rate of knots.

All my plans for a little crafting and me time went right out of the window.

Thank goodness for the lovely weather yesterday and most of today. The glorious sunshine certainly makes life seem so much brighter.

One thing I have to do is tidy out my little shed at the bottom of the garden which goes by the grand alias of "My Craft Room". It's only been in use for a couple of months now but I just love it. No-one interferes, I can leave things lying half-finished without any moans of "Are you going to tidy this junk away?" and similar comments.

Anyway I thought I'd post a few pics to give you the general idea of my little corner of tranquility.

Today being Easter Sunday I decided to do an Easter roast dinner with a leg of lamb and all the trimmings and invited my mum and dad. Lunch was scheduled for 2 o'clock which meant, by my reckoning, all would be finished and washed up by about 3.30 leaving me some time to relax and do something nice. Huh......... No sooner had we sat down than my brother and nephew arrived looking for OH's help with the new family vehicle. OH was a mechanic in a former life so such calls for help are still relatively common. Anyway, needless to say, 5 o'clock came and went before I got a chance to sit down. Why am I not surprised?

DD (Alexandra) was however delighted to receive a joint present from Brother and wife, grandparents and OH and I of a Nomination bracelet with the first couple of charm links. My niece received the same while my nephew and Ross, neither of whom eat chocolate (are they really our children LOL!!!) received clothes.

Anyway, I digress (I'm really good at that). Final challenge of the day came in a phone conversation with my sister-in-law who asked me to make Good Luck cards for cast members and others who will take to the boards next week in a production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel. Watch this space!! I think I need to be struck by an almighty bolt of inspiration as I'm the first to confess that I'm no card maker.

TTFN

One More Sleep..................

2009-04-08T11:51:00.000-07:00

................. and then I can go and bring DS home. Haven't seen him since last Monday and he's coming home for a long weekend, tomorrow until Tuesday - yippee!!!!!!!!

You'll read more about DS as time goes by but in the meantime here's a clue. In my unbiased opinion, he's handsome, smart. funny, loving and occasionally sarcastic. The fact that he's profoundly affected by autism is really neither here nor there in my book.

Day One and a Determined Start

2009-04-08T07:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the madhouse - but then don't so many people say that about the same elements of their lives, whether answering the phone, opening the front door or meeting an old friend after too long a separation?

I was inspired to start blogging after surviving only three days off work for the Easter break before coming a little too lazy. I'm one of those sad people who thrive on routine and I'm told that a good blog needs regular updates so here we are.

I'll gradually be adding to the list of blogs which I enjoy, which inspire me, or just really made me laugh (in the nicest possible way).

Anyway, after lunch today I decided to finish some projects which have been lying in various stages of completion for varied lengths of time. I'm a terrible finisher, whether it's a lack of confidence in any finished item - I'm really not sure. But today is definitely a finishing day.

As no-one's really aware of this blog yet I'm safe to post a couple of items which were completed today.

Firstly a little book for Sall from her Aunty Gill. She's a great girl and often sends me little crafty gifts. virtual (Facebook) or otherwise when she senses I need a bit of cheering up.

Then a gift for one of the men in my life. I work with him, he's kind, handsome, academically brilliant and widely recognised as one of the most desired men on campus. And he's single!! Me - I'm what he calls "his surrogate mum". Anyway, sweets for Easter Rals, you know who you are.

And last, and probably most remarkably of all, a card. So what? I hear you say. Well I've never ever professed to being a card maker and I really have no patience at all for decoupage - it really rips my knitting. However.................... on a visit to our local craft emporium yesterday, Flawless Designs, I spotted a new decoupage range, well new to me any roads, "Flippin' Women" and decided to give it a go. See what you think below. It amused me!!!

Off out now to get some fresh air and drag DD and friend away from their revision for S2 exams.

TTFN