tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70032874701508652972024-02-07T05:07:28.234+00:00Gone BeadingThe exploits of a crafting butterfly whose attention span is only as long as a piece of pretty string!RedSetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16273883309628093072noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003287470150865297.post-4671120527074301442015-10-09T01:25:00.001+01:002015-10-09T01:25:26.588+01:00Whaur's ye been? <div abp="1078">
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It has been so long since I've blogged you probably think I've fallen down a hole. Not true, but you'd be forgiven for thinking it. Lots has been happening. </div>
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<a abp="4410" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9RuT2bj34TZYmsH8aHvI9dd4sun11MTB6ofUO6gQD0_m7_9LfYuKCDLFDViBJOL-K4qkSRAXinkQNr5YH-vWmk94KKpjgqU56Wji_llbEOq7jOyJldNybdTAhVagui6rU9LdC8mtOinX/s1600/DSC_0013_20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="4411" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9RuT2bj34TZYmsH8aHvI9dd4sun11MTB6ofUO6gQD0_m7_9LfYuKCDLFDViBJOL-K4qkSRAXinkQNr5YH-vWmk94KKpjgqU56Wji_llbEOq7jOyJldNybdTAhVagui6rU9LdC8mtOinX/s400/DSC_0013_20.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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On balance most of it has been very good with some very special things happening which I'm preferring to focus on. There just hasn't been enough time in each day. </div>
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This year I became a whole decade older and for the first time in two whole years I managed a holiday break to my beloved amazing Peak District. </div>
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I find the Peak restores my soul and to have been mobile enough to return made me cry with the joy of the achievement. </div>
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I will write up a proper birthday and holiday post but this is just a selection of some lovely memories. </div>
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I love my tech but there is nothing to beat spending a whole half a day in a bookshop.</div>
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It was a heatwave while I was in England and at one point envied everyone at home as it was much cooler and often cloudy/raining!</div>
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<a abp="4405" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIA3B7MK0L8tExYcT2CzG5pLohlAAUR24IajM25528uFCJogzng6Fd4L2j0FuOrw03qNraU-gGRTwFkEwNaOSxWdZ6oltfy2irlxJeToDHws7vgQ5sCXp29Mx6hYftCswqdvI0Xer_WUzx/s1600/DSC_0008_22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="4406" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIA3B7MK0L8tExYcT2CzG5pLohlAAUR24IajM25528uFCJogzng6Fd4L2j0FuOrw03qNraU-gGRTwFkEwNaOSxWdZ6oltfy2irlxJeToDHws7vgQ5sCXp29Mx6hYftCswqdvI0Xer_WUzx/s400/DSC_0008_22.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Being a Scot with that freckly blue-white complexion that crisps up if it is exposed to the sun for more than two days in a row the heatwave nearly did me in! Plenty of cooling Rose Lemonade helped me power through tho'...! </div>
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<a abp="4437" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxKhTNb8ipdUh9EvlAgIp8wugbtYc3f_BQqfvCxwnJOu0SJTU4crBhC_E-7hb5KCIFNO4RR-Zbo25rmpUX69Xs6Vh3Gmt-1KOcDhhblM7w-6w8wDUzPlHqcHOIIEV6RIKg6cRpU7fMsP2/s1600/DSC_0106_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="4438" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxKhTNb8ipdUh9EvlAgIp8wugbtYc3f_BQqfvCxwnJOu0SJTU4crBhC_E-7hb5KCIFNO4RR-Zbo25rmpUX69Xs6Vh3Gmt-1KOcDhhblM7w-6w8wDUzPlHqcHOIIEV6RIKg6cRpU7fMsP2/s400/DSC_0106_4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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There was also delicious food....</div>
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...and breakfasts in bed. This was my birthday breakfast at Ragdale Hall Spa. </div>
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I even found time to restock my already overflowing stash and meet the absolutely lovely eponymous Jane of Purl and Jane in Skipton during my trip. My goodness she stocks some of the nicest wool I've ever squished! </div>
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Ageing has never fussed me, in fact it feels quite hilarious that I'm a whole half century old....and still alive....! I strongly feel that the luxury of living to see another birthday, especially a landmark one, is a blessing rather than something to become depressed about.</div>
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My 'birthday' lasted a full two and a half months and included wonderful gifts, multiple outings, occasions and a party. I was genuinely humbled by how generous, loving and caring those close to me have been and how truly special and blessed I felt. </div>
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Being pampered was a theme running the through my celebrations. The first was arranged in mid June by a friend and we spent the day at the Carrick Spa on Loch Lomond. </div>
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<a abp="4445" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pcE5nqs2sBSqtv7QJmyRix0rHG71tFQGDHW6zjQ5NrO9tS7U4P26eDauSQIUMHLxptpnyVYNCQben5WTJ2m_KEyAIed2k-rV4iN0SNSVJNgi8OrfqzbFWKb_RVXzOqxuB4Pnr39nyG0e/s1600/DSC_0085_7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="4446" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pcE5nqs2sBSqtv7QJmyRix0rHG71tFQGDHW6zjQ5NrO9tS7U4P26eDauSQIUMHLxptpnyVYNCQben5WTJ2m_KEyAIed2k-rV4iN0SNSVJNgi8OrfqzbFWKb_RVXzOqxuB4Pnr39nyG0e/s400/DSC_0085_7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then there was a glorious morning spent in the Devonshire Spa in Buxton</div>
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After this there was a five day stay at Ragdale Hall Spa. Goodness I had fun being all pampered and treated. </div>
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I'm more mobile than I have been over the past three years but I'm still very severely restricted in the very short distances my crutch and I can achieve. It's hard and soul sapping dealing with the pain and fatigue and the flares ups hit very hard. I wouldn't wish this on anyone but I'm trying to remember to take better care of myself including the need to prioritise what is important and what brings joy. My Mother has not been good at all but seems to have reached a sort of plateau where she is ever so slightly less distressed which is a temporary relief.</div>
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<a abp="4560" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkttnDheeQ86wKG7Ve64g3uAAAOD3FPvF8Zu80cNO-l2bMEcJOhDkZ9gbNKYCIuOwDYFAdA5HiMSu1ZuyQqN1Z1c8cQGFaN3LObkBI-VL10vtEuxzqCi6fch6NBWMSOT_fPPVtLTgwgmhG/s1600/IMG_20150508_224123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="4561" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkttnDheeQ86wKG7Ve64g3uAAAOD3FPvF8Zu80cNO-l2bMEcJOhDkZ9gbNKYCIuOwDYFAdA5HiMSu1ZuyQqN1Z1c8cQGFaN3LObkBI-VL10vtEuxzqCi6fch6NBWMSOT_fPPVtLTgwgmhG/s400/IMG_20150508_224123.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sweet Magic is still doing well and has recently become noticeably more engaged and less self-centred than she had been in the first six months post-operatively. The cost of her treatment and surgery has been monumental but this amazing little cat has been a fabulous companion and I am so glad she is still well and with us. </div>
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Little Red remains fluffy, happy and makes a wonderful snooze partner who loves his paw to be held!</div>
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The second big achievement of this year was successfully managing to Yarndale. </div>
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<a abp="4583" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioF_MsTxOZHBk4AxEB7NwxMOMNVQrEJERRcyPU5FYJ2fTwlAgmHh2F0eLGzAQX4b16GJM7aRYrebP1k8qOfJkNBIyLqpz2Y3wh_yhVirq4R0_FMUcFb2BoQV445TKXHfQJn9zXftX3T-Jt/s1600/DSC_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="4584" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioF_MsTxOZHBk4AxEB7NwxMOMNVQrEJERRcyPU5FYJ2fTwlAgmHh2F0eLGzAQX4b16GJM7aRYrebP1k8qOfJkNBIyLqpz2Y3wh_yhVirq4R0_FMUcFb2BoQV445TKXHfQJn9zXftX3T-Jt/s400/DSC_0128.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This yarny festival began the year I became lame and I began to rekindle my interest and involvement in crafts which I could do sitting down with my leg up.</div>
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<a abp="4603" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevkHWn2aFa-8T0MMmn3klkdTt77xf0zP1JfsS1vW5HGNEhUU5bIVDjk8FVU_NGtkrF8Y4MaHqzErvg-bIRYpXRZ0voyLpBo7ifYnu-2oI6iiIrvTuZLX9BtATEVV3GumivPqFP4UFDsCW/s1600/IMG_20150711_210312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="4604" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevkHWn2aFa-8T0MMmn3klkdTt77xf0zP1JfsS1vW5HGNEhUU5bIVDjk8FVU_NGtkrF8Y4MaHqzErvg-bIRYpXRZ0voyLpBo7ifYnu-2oI6iiIrvTuZLX9BtATEVV3GumivPqFP4UFDsCW/s400/IMG_20150711_210312.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The first Yarndale I enjoyed through the eyes and experiences of bloggers while waiting for the surgery that was supposed to help. The next year, I was no better and once again lived it vicariously but didn't let the hope die. It has been a secret achievement hugged tight to me that I would manage to be there in person, and this year I did it. </div>
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<a abp="4734" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOHvBkBJXUbByAF4iUX43dKAvMY0GXCGGeMOp0uI9zkGXBeXZ_fY_0cuwYr4lJzKiuAsxdvilw728egO6JeapvoZUsn0dbA_Q_7ZYvlZvDqySapTgE6tqsDliiPwTEyJr5S7wRkY4_hjQ/s1600/DSC_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="4735" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOHvBkBJXUbByAF4iUX43dKAvMY0GXCGGeMOp0uI9zkGXBeXZ_fY_0cuwYr4lJzKiuAsxdvilw728egO6JeapvoZUsn0dbA_Q_7ZYvlZvDqySapTgE6tqsDliiPwTEyJr5S7wRkY4_hjQ/s400/DSC_0121.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
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I even yarnbombed my hated elbow crutch as I couldn't do without it so decided I'd totally get into the swing of things. </div>
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<a abp="4706" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdRHvNYcFI1YXH3gysw9S78M3x8es3VqLrHO_X62qJ8gHFH__Aw2_e5yItQPklLu1zP13D7YEGUlfNGrLrOplqIq2GZ7eN9sVXQE8CwtX3w3jkIPBnZt7-FoZ2421sUdApnzPTn54BAhQ/s1600/DSC_0179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="4707" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdRHvNYcFI1YXH3gysw9S78M3x8es3VqLrHO_X62qJ8gHFH__Aw2_e5yItQPklLu1zP13D7YEGUlfNGrLrOplqIq2GZ7eN9sVXQE8CwtX3w3jkIPBnZt7-FoZ2421sUdApnzPTn54BAhQ/s400/DSC_0179.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
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It effort and exertion nearly wiped me out afterwards, but I don't care, as I DID IT! I came, I saw and I felt that I conquered. </div>
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<a abp="4710" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kDj11-WmCTqTBadYCFSrxIdlc0VKm3PJ7uKLlIVIkS0kmwxv7em_AQovo8AboXHnCGwlicigyHGJC0PqHYuLVEElV75uob17sOIx8-28QcVlxP9pBAIyO4aZM3A7ucCdGy-gmz42MZB_/s1600/DSC_0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="4711" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kDj11-WmCTqTBadYCFSrxIdlc0VKm3PJ7uKLlIVIkS0kmwxv7em_AQovo8AboXHnCGwlicigyHGJC0PqHYuLVEElV75uob17sOIx8-28QcVlxP9pBAIyO4aZM3A7ucCdGy-gmz42MZB_/s400/DSC_0153.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Seeing all the things that I'd only seen on other's blogs felt quite marvellous.</div>
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<a abp="4714" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWLBJAhCmd1dl44gggL-mys7XUftqGUNkFI6933cIfe0W-1AoNAxfMWUUcvJWHeDS8DC3f59HBzmVN4qX2DVw_tu5R_Ie8F8XON4qZvm0BfPkQUeUfh338cngGR9hrJSyry8WsPdWNssW/s1600/DSC_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="4715" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWLBJAhCmd1dl44gggL-mys7XUftqGUNkFI6933cIfe0W-1AoNAxfMWUUcvJWHeDS8DC3f59HBzmVN4qX2DVw_tu5R_Ie8F8XON4qZvm0BfPkQUeUfh338cngGR9hrJSyry8WsPdWNssW/s400/DSC_0135.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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As well as meeting some of the sweet suppliers</div>
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<a abp="4647" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwSi2etiRwPdNdwA45vT1pMdXk82d-0ePlWP6dOTnrvFVnciSjHs0hgjknN38n-VOgEyQ6NOWCt0lbV9d3srK_ehfA3J3qCPS-JWiMbx26dSVTeXCmKYYjU2VcWFm_w_B9uhOrC_THG7W/s1600/DSC_0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="4648" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwSi2etiRwPdNdwA45vT1pMdXk82d-0ePlWP6dOTnrvFVnciSjHs0hgjknN38n-VOgEyQ6NOWCt0lbV9d3srK_ehfA3J3qCPS-JWiMbx26dSVTeXCmKYYjU2VcWFm_w_B9uhOrC_THG7W/s400/DSC_0156.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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No, I've absolutely no idea what the fawn coloured alpaca pretzel was up to in this shot</div>
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<a abp="4651" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHn8BgJMLALFh314aG8ctCX93upDUKK4HpMz7EX0p9msT5g7bDNOByXOl2xpdyfDov52f6UieyFlf5Cs4agk0Jr1XF7v4e1QazIKYYm2F2h7eaaPsCSVKKj9GumvM8s1v2rPjaHfA2tFe/s1600/DSC_0188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="4652" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHn8BgJMLALFh314aG8ctCX93upDUKK4HpMz7EX0p9msT5g7bDNOByXOl2xpdyfDov52f6UieyFlf5Cs4agk0Jr1XF7v4e1QazIKYYm2F2h7eaaPsCSVKKj9GumvM8s1v2rPjaHfA2tFe/s400/DSC_0188.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is only part of my Yarndale haul and was a gift for someone</div>
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<a abp="4655" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjEOfqxCRO2xdm7ITcTNIcu4SXeaD2p_Db5jBoUogYDLz2lpvi5O-2aMvg9Zvr0h9ypyxUYbkRo2mpFqB8jP6keNr2XGLBG_fW5k-dEYhOzb44TlAIozx7eF5H316GoL96TZZkJP3P5On/s1600/DSC_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="4656" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjEOfqxCRO2xdm7ITcTNIcu4SXeaD2p_Db5jBoUogYDLz2lpvi5O-2aMvg9Zvr0h9ypyxUYbkRo2mpFqB8jP6keNr2XGLBG_fW5k-dEYhOzb44TlAIozx7eF5H316GoL96TZZkJP3P5On/s400/DSC_0141.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love writing and I still love blogging as the act is often cathartic, but this is a more time consuming and reflective activity. I've tried to keep up with your blogs but often it's sporadic and in snatched time rather than planned when I can comment and engage. </div>
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I opened an Instagram account out of curiosity after reading some bloggers views on it. I wasn't hopeful I'd like it as I thought it might just be twitter with pictures. However, I've found I can follow some people I already know from blogging and it is more immediate which I've really enjoyed. At Yarndale I was even invited along to meet some of the loveliest instagrammers meeting up which just made the day even more special. I'm planning to write my Yarndale and birthday trips properly and will try to get back to at least doing a monthly blog post. If you are passing instagram I'm @red.setter on there and I'd love it if you popped by to say hello. </div>
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RedSetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16273883309628093072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003287470150865297.post-81897796079390749522015-06-20T05:34:00.000+01:002015-06-20T05:34:21.398+01:00Solstice ReflectionsI am sitting here very quietly, just thinking, reflecting and taking time to breathe in the silence. Almost every year since I was in my teens I've watched the dawning of the day on or around the summer solstice.<br />
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Although I've been doing this well over half my life I'm not actually sure why I do it, or why it seems important enough to remain up overnight rather than just getting up super-early! I seem to recall it started one year in my teens that I could not sleep and sat up reading until the break of dawn. I just loved sitting in the quiet and solitude while everyone else slept to watch the daily spectacle of a new day coming into being. Somehow this always seems an important part of my calendar to me and I use it to reflect, to give thanks and to feel in harmony with my tiny part of the world. As years have gone on the summer solstice have gained an extra poignancy as it occurs shortly after what was my Dad's birthday. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgaVsoW1GK5FEm88EsCsH_9bybd8GfAqzs7w7SYuN2mHqH5ouD2RZ8kL-nSozI0T6AF6aSHKbEzWmta5cfUJQYktQ65jcKM_AYX3aHsQLQ_ZAqw3gWGUv72qj2XdS44IhB9ypTd8LzGdbU/s1600/DSC01819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgaVsoW1GK5FEm88EsCsH_9bybd8GfAqzs7w7SYuN2mHqH5ouD2RZ8kL-nSozI0T6AF6aSHKbEzWmta5cfUJQYktQ65jcKM_AYX3aHsQLQ_ZAqw3gWGUv72qj2XdS44IhB9ypTd8LzGdbU/s400/DSC01819.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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04:04hrs - 27mins before the dawn</div>
Tonight, or is it today, the skies are grim, grey and gloomy but that doesn't dampen the thrill I feel as I watch it get progressively lighter. I've chosen to do my solstice vigil on the 20th as I fell asleep after getting home from work and slept solidly till 23.30hrs so I am still awake enough to do this now rather than wait until tomorrow and knock my sleep pattern off any more than it already is. <br />
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What are my reflections? I am calm but quite excited as I have some lovely things coming up over the next month as I become another year older. I've already begun my birthday celebrations and been having treats and time with good friends. I have a very deep feeling of anticipation of great change. It's been persistent for the last month or so but I just don't know what it is in relation to. However, for the moment I am willing to accept the change will be good, that I should be content and allow it to unfold. The realist in me accepts that even if the change turns out to be hellish then at least I'll have enjoyed this time! <br />
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Typically, despite having been asleep, she wanted up to see if some more dinner might be on offer!</div>
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I am utterly grateful and thankful for my cat's health having been to hell and back with her over the last year. It was Friday June 13th last year when I sat up overnight in the garden after a 2am dash to the vet school with my very sick wee sweetheart and waiting on their phonecall. So, knowing tonight after everything including neurosurgery in Feb she can sleep undistressed and content in her life with us is a prayer answered. <br />
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I am saddened, distressed and depressed by my Mother's state of health as she drifts ever further into her mind and I cannot reach her. I don't think I'll ever find anything positive in this situation but am forced to accept what I cannot change. <br />
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I am so grateful for a letter which arrived this week which brought a small, forgotten but ever so welcome amount of money I am owed from many years ago. That the information arrived on what would have been my Dad's birthday just made it feel like he was looking out for me. And that the sum matches almost identically an amount I was debating using for something special makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up! <br />
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05:05hrs-34mins after the dawn</div>
So the day has dawned and even if it is just a vague lightening of the sky rather than a glorious sunrise it is nonetheless welcome. Happy Summer Solstice to everyone and may you be bestowed with good wishes. RedSetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16273883309628093072noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003287470150865297.post-90585299585036001302015-06-08T01:32:00.001+01:002015-06-08T01:32:36.275+01:00Flaming JuneWell somehow that's another month gone, but there is no point in asking me where it went! I think my target at the moment will be a blogpost per month and if I exceed this then instead of feeling bad for not posting regularly I'll have exceeded my target so it will be a success. I once marvelled at this tactic some years ago when the ambulance service were splashed all over the papers for failing to achieve their target of arriving at emergency calls in under 4 minutes. Their average response time was around 6 minutes but they raised their target time to 8 minutes so that, without changing anything, they not only met their target but exceeded it in one simple manoeuvre. I thought it was totally disingenuous but inspired at the same time so I'm going to give the trick a whirl to assuage my blogpost absence guilt. This post doesn't actually have a theme other than a whizz round of some random pics from last month.<br />
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The weather here is vile and feels like November with the dark skies, howling gales and lashing rain. The promised heatwave obviously was incorrectly addressed and we'd like it returned! There were a couple of nice days which only made the grass go mental and my dandelion crop was taking over. I couldn't do anything definitive so I cheated and pulled them up then strimmed the tall grass to stop the place looking derelict. I know they will be back but I've got weedkiller for the survivors....! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mWF7Qfi2LgLNKKRNlPSMdmbH5qc0aYRVRzy22rvIvbqz5cbvgIcvw4z2DC-0-ROU5Egjt5VqM58IOmRmQys8gHKTUic5moRX4zeTshPx86SYMD4DE562uDa9HV28O-vvXwNq3ZL1N9LF/s1600/DSC_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mWF7Qfi2LgLNKKRNlPSMdmbH5qc0aYRVRzy22rvIvbqz5cbvgIcvw4z2DC-0-ROU5Egjt5VqM58IOmRmQys8gHKTUic5moRX4zeTshPx86SYMD4DE562uDa9HV28O-vvXwNq3ZL1N9LF/s400/DSC_0072.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I also stripped some of the prolific ivy out of the hedge revealing what can only be described as a 'bluddy big hole'. </div>
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I hadn't realised it had killed the privet and actually WAS the hedge! I'm lost as to a solution, so my plan is to lob in some Miracle Gro and start praying the hedge rather than the remaining ivy sprouts.</div>
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My strawberries have come on brilliantly since this pic in March.</div>
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I had one single lovely big juicy strawberry ripening up nicely but last Sat I looked out to find it had been robbed and to add insult to injury it was only half eaten.....grrr. Who knew birds stole them? I should have twigged really as the strawberry thief is one of the patterns on my William Morris mugs! There were two more ripening yesterday so I snaffled them before any predators just to be able to say I'd tasted one of my very first homegrown strawberries. Although not perfectly ripe they were deliciously sweet. I'm not feeling homicidal towards all birds, just the ones with sticky strawberry coated beaks!<br />
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For many years I've watched successive new little seagull families being raised between these chimney pots and though you can hardly see him the little grey chick is the latest generation. Typically, he was having a wander round the outside but when I tried to picture him he played hide and seek! <br />
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Random car sitting in front of me at some traffic lights - clearly a woman with her priorities right!</div>
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In Glasgow, the hospital provision is transitioning over to the new South Glasgow University Hospital on the site of the old Southern General Hospital. </div>
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It's been nicknamed The Death Star due to its external shape which might or might not be an improvement on its old nicknames of Sufferin' General or the Sufferin' Genitals depending on your outlook!</div>
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It's very bold architecturally but a bloody nightmare if you have difficulty walking as the parking is inadequate and none of it is near the actual entrance. </div>
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I am always mystified by why hospitals, which are generally for the injured or ill (!) are now based on a single entrance/atrium design which entails miles of walking. </div>
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Last month I joined instagram to see what it was like and I have been enjoying it, even doing an obligatory 'what's for my dinner' shot. Before joining I was rather dismissive and couldn't see what all the fuss was about as all I'd seen were supersaturated combination shots which all seemed a bit 'samey' and meh! However, since joining I've realised there is more to it. Obviously, when posting you are selective and want to present everything in it best light and I've been trying to blend in. However, just for a bit of realism, I thought I should provide some context to the arty dinner shot as it made me laugh. </div>
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This is the true state of the table at the time. Due to the weather the laundry was drying in front of the patio doors to catch what sun there was and, as I'd been craving Chinese dumplings for ages, this was a solo snack made for scoffing with no time to clear the table of my laptop or craft stuff or to fold the dry laundry strewn over the sofa on the right. The tea towel is not there because of carrying hot plates, instead it is because slippery steamed dumplings, thin dips and chopsticks are an accident just waiting to bounce down the front of my jumper. I may be a slovenly housekeeper but heck those dumplings were worth it! </div>
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Right that's probably enough randomness for now. Hope everyone is doing well and I hope to be round to say hello soon. </div>
RedSetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16273883309628093072noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003287470150865297.post-41707641424311906602015-05-06T00:46:00.000+01:002015-05-06T00:46:18.098+01:00A Year in Books 2015: MayI am so far behind in catching up that I think I am just going to start again from where I am! I know this makes little sense but right now I am beginning to resemble the White Rabbit haring around and never quite making up the time or catching up with myself. We are five months down the line and I am just posting my first <a href="http://circleofpinetrees.com/category/the-year-in-books/" target="_blank">Year in Books post</a> to join in with Laura and all the other readers which is shocking. I have been reading/listening just not posting! <br />
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April's read was the new Bob Skinner book by Quintin Jardine which I read on kindle. I am always a little ambivalent about ebooks but the convenience, syncing between devices, being able to read with the light off in bed as well as quickly checking things that arise in the book online does have its advantages. <br />
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The book was readable and has the familiarity of characters that I've 'known' and seen developed for 20 or so years. 'Big' Bob is on some sort of sabbatical as he hates the idea of the integrated Police Scotland and has decamped to Spain where he helps out an old friend which in turn helps him decide where his future direction will lie. <br />
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It was a good enough book, enjoyable for me due to the familiarity, but not one of his best. Normally his books will focus on some key individuals but many of the others are woven through the story in the background. I felt it was rather pedestrian as it had a fairly limited cast of characters and was mainly set in Spain which is where the author spends much of his time. I finished this today on my phone while abortively sitting waiting in an X-Ray Dept for scans which I had to reschedule due to the glacial pace of the dept. as I had other meetings to attend. This kind of thing is where ebooks come into their own.<br />
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If you haven't read any QJ and enjoy the Ian Rankin/James Oswald crime-novel-set-in-Edinburgh genre then these are definitely worth a look. Its not as dark and curmugeonly as Rebus and the only spooks come from MI5 but it is a pretty contemporary read as everyone has aged and kept pace with time. Incidentally Quintin is very caught up with the male characters in his books being constantly described as 'Big'...Big Bob, Big Mario, Big McIllhenney...etc. I met him at a book signing last year and asked him why? but he reckoned it was just the Scottish thing about prefacing men's names with either 'Big' or 'Wee'. That aside the female characters feature strongly and he's very equality and diversity minded as they get a fair share of promotions and positioning. <br />
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May's book is the delightfully titled Paw Tracks in the Moonlight by Denis O'Connor which was recommended to my by a lovely Instagrammer @seriouslyrubylicious who has the most stunning Maine Coon cats. I'm falling in love with these giants of the feline world again after having been put off some time ago by the bad tempered MC which used to belong to a friend. I am off to bed to start reading this book tonight and am hopeful I'll love it. RedSetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16273883309628093072noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003287470150865297.post-40316176070633565302015-04-25T22:34:00.000+01:002015-04-25T22:34:11.113+01:00A Crafty Treat<div style="text-align: center;">
Today was a very good day to treat myself. There has been a fair bit happening recently and by this afternoon I decided some 'be-nice-to-myself-time' and a bit of retail therapy was in order. </div>
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I haven't visited Queen Margaret Drive in ages but I was visiting nearby and decided it was high time for a tiny wander as two of my favourite shops are just a couple of doors from each other. QMD follows on at the top of Byres Road and runs past the Botanic Gardens and over the River Kelvin. It also used to be the location of the old BBC Scotland Headquarters before they moved to the riverside. </div>
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Kibble Palace at the Botanic Gardens and the spire to the left is is <a href="http://www.theyarncake.co.uk/" target="_blank">Oran Mor</a> which does <a href="http://playpiepint.com/" target="_blank">A Play, A Pie and A Pint</a> at lunchtimes. </div>
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View over the Bridge and along the River Kelvin </div>
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No idea what this tree is but it looked amazing. If anyone knows please do tell. </div>
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My first visit was to the marvellous <a href="http://www.opal-moon.com/" target="_blank">Opal Moon</a> which stocks a wonderfully eclectic range of pretty and mystical things.</div>
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I love that they even think of the four legged customers who might be passing. </div>
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It's a tiny tardis of a shop and there must be magic afoot as I've never known how Joan packs so much stock in. It's also the kind of place you can never leave without a perfect little something for yourself or as a gift. The first thing to catch my eye, or more accurately my nose, was the beautifully scented wax tart which is already in my burner and bringing a calming aroma to the room right now. </div>
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Then I was totally delighted when I realised they had managed to get the lovely little angel cards back in stock.</div>
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Many spiritual shops will have a bowl on the desk for you to randomly select one as a message from your angel. They are lovely and I've been after a set for ages. Today was obviously my lucky day!</div>
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You can store them in their own box but mine are now in a gold bowl on the chest of drawers beside the front door for me to choose one each morning and for friends to select one when they come to visit. </div>
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They even came with some bonus angel stickers which is nice. </div>
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The next visit was to <a href="http://www.theyarncake.co.uk/" target="_blank">Yarn Cake</a> for yarn, cake and to see if they had any handled crochet hooks. </div>
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Its taken me until the last few rows of my chenille poncho to realise my carbonised bamboo hook is kind of dragging the yarn and a handled hook might make things more comfy for my wrists. I lost my 5.5mm aluminium hook on the train journey down to London.</div>
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Obviously, cake, coffee and chatter had to be partaken of before any gruelling decisions regarding what to buy. The hook choice was simple though, and I bought a 5.5mm Clover Soft Touch for the poncho and a 4mm KnitPro Waves for general use. I was also delighted to get a snap of their new sheepy cake label holders but less delighted I couldn't get one to follow me home.....*big petted lip time*. </div>
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I decided to save my yarn purchase till next week when they are having their Yarn Shop Day with discounts. Technically, this means I will SAVE money but I think we all know I will use the saving to buy more yarn. I may also have to have more cake and coffee while I ponder what I'll purchase again.....! Apparently, to get the discount you have to tell Antje, the owner, that you love her. She said she'd tried this last year and it was quite hilarious from the extravagant expressions of adoration to others whispering it in an embarrassed tone. </div>
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I hope you've enjoyed our trip to QMD. It certainly cheered me up and I'm just sorry I can't send you a piece of the amazing warm from the oven Rocky Road Brownie, handmade by Antje. It was exactly as scrummy as it sounds!</div>
RedSetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16273883309628093072noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003287470150865297.post-63076942497052407262015-04-23T22:41:00.000+01:002015-04-23T22:41:19.010+01:00Happy World Book Night 2015 and Giveaway<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy World Book Night 2015! </div>
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I didn't apply to be a giver this year but neither did I want to miss out on celebrating it. So I joined in at an event in Glasgow Women's Library where they were having readings from a number of participants' favourite books. I particularly enjoyed the passages from a book called 'The House on Mango Street' which I'd like to read. </div>
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I've never visited a Women's library before but they were very welcoming and it was lovely to hear the readers share a part of a favourite book and why they had chosen it. There was a quiz, a really hard quiz. Well, I found it really hard but some others were giving it baffled looks as well so maybe there is hope for me.</div>
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They had a number of WBN books and were happy if anyone wished to take some extras. So I asked if they would mind me taking some for a giveaway, which is where you come in.</div>
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There are five books in total and if you fancy one then please just leave a comment. </div>
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If you have a particular preference let me know and I'll see if I can accommodate the request if you are a winner.</div>
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Four books are from WBN and the small one above and below is a collection of Scottish recollections of home. </div>
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I'm particularly looking forward to reading this one as I love social history and reading the thoughts and lived experiences of others. Probably why I enjoy blog reading so much! <br />
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There are no hoops to jump through, no tricky questions - just leave me a comment and I'll draw the winners on Sunday 26th Apr 15. I'll post internationally too if you are a winner so all are welcome. </div>
RedSetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16273883309628093072noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003287470150865297.post-86904692377642650922015-04-14T22:59:00.000+01:002015-04-14T22:59:00.339+01:00Cute & Free Plant Labels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QWcn7iLJ84kuLOAgeeYs8lFoJbRTXKXZO4BtY02y5LNnqSoQ_YsKl44Xf03lMgvxNnk8JR3vf29_QsHQjv_7RjXj699QbviPsMAZ0RrMLpVr1_PHWuqiYOmpd6bqHk-NjKeM0FP1aXPE/s1600/DSC01646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QWcn7iLJ84kuLOAgeeYs8lFoJbRTXKXZO4BtY02y5LNnqSoQ_YsKl44Xf03lMgvxNnk8JR3vf29_QsHQjv_7RjXj699QbviPsMAZ0RrMLpVr1_PHWuqiYOmpd6bqHk-NjKeM0FP1aXPE/s1600/DSC01646.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
I was looking for nice plant labels for some roses and shrubs I'd bought but nothing took my fancy. As I was making a cup of coffee I realised I could cannibalise the white plastic from the milk container. Even better it would be both free and come with recycling brownie points! <br />
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<strong><u>Kit</u></strong><br />
White milk container (Note to self: avoid washing in really hot water as it goes all wonky and melt-y!)<br />
Scissors<br />
Craft Punch/s<br />
Hole punch or eyelet kit<br />
Permanent marker<br />
Covered wire or string<br />
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<strong><u>Making the labels:</u></strong><br />
Firstly I cut up the milk container to get as many flat surfaces as possible, <br />
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and used a spare piece to test with the punches</div>
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Out of the four heavy duty punches I have, only the large butterfly punch was strong enough to cut out the shape completely, so butterflies it was then! </div>
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It found it was actually easier to use the punch 'upside down' as I could see how far to push in the plastic.</div>
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saving myself any wasted or incomplete punches</div>
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After I'd punched out all the butterflies, I used the spare pieces of plastic to cut other shapes with scissors</div>
<strong><u>Creating the hole:</u></strong> <br />
The easiest way was just to use one side of a normal office hole punch. This would have been far and away the kindest to my wrists and the labels would have been ready to thread with the garden wire or string. <br />
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Not one to make things easy, I decided to try this kit that I'd bought from Lidl a couple of years ago that I've never taken the time to properly figure out how to work.<br />
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It has a pair of hole pliers, crimp type pliers and little soft metal rivet/eyelet shapes. </div>
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After some trial and error, with no real help from the enclosed instructions, I did figure it out. It's a nice effect but you really need the wrist strength of an Amazon as well a couple of goes at getting it right! </div>
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The deal seems to be firstly punch a hole corresponding to the size of the eyelet. I suspect these pliers might work better on a thicker material as I had to snip the half punched holes with scissors after I'd used the punch, though this might just be my wimpy wrist strength!</div>
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Position the eyelet in the hole</div>
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then fit into the crimp pliers and squeeeeeze like Billy-o! I must admit that a couple of eyelets or more were squashed by angling the pliers against the table and leaning on them!</div>
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reverse view</div>
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Finished labels</div>
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All ready for the wire or string </div>
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I used a Sharpie permanent marker and so far so good but I'll know better in time how well the writing, and the eyelets, hold up to the elements. </div>
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Now I just need to drink some more milk to have another container to use...! </div>
RedSetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16273883309628093072noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003287470150865297.post-44532133413508789472015-04-10T23:35:00.002+01:002015-04-10T23:35:45.961+01:00Leibster Questions from Angel Jem<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="http://angeljemscitycottage.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/a-kiebster-niebster-no-i-got-liebster.html" target="_blank">Angel Jem</a> very kindly nominated me to answer some Leibster questions and I'm only now getting round to posting my answers- sorry Angel Jem! These have been some random but fun questions to answer so I hope you enjoy my answers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1) <strong><u>If your house was on fire, what one thing, other than family members and pets, would you save?</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If I had time, then aside from people and pets, I'd probably save the very old family photo albums. My Mum's old album contains pictures right back to the great great grandparents and my childhood one is in a 'Cloth of Gold' album which I think was originally supposed to display greetings card or printer samples. Given how much styles and camera technology has moved on my poor pictures look like museum exhibits of the 'auld days' or 'how we used to live'. I mean, seriously look at this, my childhood was in Black and White....hmmph!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Realistically though, as I have an unnaturally high fear of fire I'd probably be too busy running screaming from the building and waving my hands in the air to save any items.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>2) <u>What, other than your children, is your greatest achievement?</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is actually a hard one and I am finding it difficult to choose between two options so I'll put both. One is that I strive hard to be a genuine and good person, to be responsible and caring towards those that I love and to be there for my friends and family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The other is more materialistic and relates to my academic achievements. I always wanted to someday have more letters after my name than in it and I have achieved this with seven academic or professional awards. I never use them except for application forms but it is nice to know they are there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>3) <u>What would be your dream job and is it a job you do or have done?</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I suppose to a greater or lesser extent I have a good job, though I'd argue this vigorously when I need to get out of bed to go to it in the morning. It allows me to be creative, to work with committed individuals, to teach others and to be working towards a higher purpose for the good of others. This makes it sound saintly, and it certainly isn't, but as jobs go it has its merits and its moments. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">All jobs have downsides but if I could create a total dream job it would probably be working with animals but never having to scoop the poop or deal with the whiffier side of things. Is there such a job as puppy and kitten cuddler aboard a cruise liner....? </span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>4) <u>What is your dream holiday destination?</u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Venice. Quite simply, no question, no arguments. This is on my dining room wall and there is another print in the living room. <br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>5) <u>If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you bought?</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A flight to Venice and a beautiful apartment in a palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal to ponder how to do good with the rest of the money. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>6) <u>Name your top three films of all time.</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm a huge cinema fan, love world cinema and have an eclectic range of DVD's. Oddly, in trying to whittle it down to 3(+1) I realise the ones I could watch again and again are light, insubstantial and</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> heart-warming rather than weighty and worthy. <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I could probably act all the main parts of the films I've chosen and they are rather aged now but I'd definitely watch them anytime. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong><u>Only You</u></strong> - a light romcom with Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr but I adore it as it bobs along through Italy (see answers 4&5). RDJ's big brown eyes do it for me every time as I can refuse big chocolate brown eyes almost nothing - whether they be human or canine! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong><u>You've Got Mail</u></strong> - another romcom and getting a little dated now as technology moves on so fast but its a sweet feel good film which gladdens my heart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><u><strong>Ripoux contre Ripoux (My New Partner)</strong></u> - A daft cop buddy movie with Thierry L'Hermitte and Philippe Noiret set in Paris, which is another favourite city, with some very funny lines and an over-excited horse given a performance enhancer which wins both the first and third race without stopping. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm going for a fourth, Angel Jem set the precedent (not that I'd sneak on her tho').</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong><u>Fanny and Elvis</u></strong> - yet another RomCom - what a surprise, eh? Set in glorious Hebden Bridge with lots of glorious Yorkshire countryside.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>7) <u>If you could have a conversation with a famous person, dead or alive, who would it be?</u></strong></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It would have to be Jesus for my conversation. I'd love to get his take on what is being done in his name and what he thinks of how people are interpreting his messages. I'd like to think he'd be pretty outraged at people manipulating faith for their own ends. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have a theory that the core of all religions are actually from the same stem as they all revolve around love, respect for others, drawing together in the collective societal good and forgiveness for human failings. I therefore wonder if all the different world religions are essentially the same thing drawn from different angles. A bit like the way one individual's recollection differs from that of someone else who was also present at an event or occurrence. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have a second theory that bad people latch onto religion as a way of indulging their unacceptable behaviours while masking it in a cloak of pseudo-acceptability. Making yourself the right hand of a dead/fictitious religious deity means you can never be contradicted by the boss but still pass the blame on to him. That is truly inspired, after all who can prove you are not fighting the good fight when a 'faith' or a belief cannot be argued definitively. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I reckon Jesus would be the most fabulous conversationalist to sit with debating life and the universe. I'd also like to know his take on religious humour and whether he sits and think "yeah, that's so ME!". I want my higher power to have a good sense of humour. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>8) <u>What is your earliest childhood memory?</u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My dinner bowl cooling on a window ledge! I spoke with my mother about this years ago and she reckoned I would have been around the age of 18mths. She used to cool my dinner by putting it outside on the window ledge to cool it (we lived on the second floor for goodness sake, what was the woman thinking!). I can vividly recall being in a highchair on the opposite side of the table in front of the window and reaching out to get the bowl from the other side of the table. After that I think the next memories must be around three or four years of age. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>9) <u>What is your favourite season and why?</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It used to be the colours of autumn, which I do still love, but as I get older it reminds me more of the fading of life. So I think the expectation of spring is probably now my favourite, particularly as I have a garden and find joy in the resurgence of overwintering (or more accurately surviving) plants. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Last year's £8 'twig' from Aldi finally bloomed this year and brought me such joy in its delicate blossoms, and that it wasn't actually dead</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I especially love that first cool morning when you shed all the winter gear and go out in shirt sleeves or a light cardigan as you just know it is going to be a glorious day. This used to be my favourite morning of the year when I was at school.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>10) <u>What made you decide to start a blog?</u></strong></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My first was started for my new cat Red in 2009 to document his first year from a pompom of a kitten growing up to be a real cat and all our lives together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Then I started a blog for my jewellery making but, after getting confused over which subjects to post where, I decided to make this one mine and give over <a href="http://pepsimaxaddict.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">pepsimaxaddict</a> to the cats. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It's a given that life changes for good and bad, and some of the blog posts document this. However, what sometimes strikes me in reading my back posts is how much personal stuff and feelings are hidden between the lines and during the posting gaps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The more I got into blogging the more I loved it and have 'met' some wonderful people. I love being allowed such privileged access to the lives of others and the reciprocity of sharing. I read a wide range of blogs on lots of subjects and lifestyles but the ones that really get me are the ones who write from the heart and share the good and bad honestly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>11) <u>What would you like the future to hold for you?</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Beyond a lottery win and moving to Venice, you mean....? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My retirement plan is to finally have the time to have my absolute long term heart's desire of two red setters and to live in the Peak District. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My wish would be to live there to enjoy the pleasures of long walks and being part of a village or town community. I love busy, impersonal 24hr city living right now but I want my third age to be one of having time to enjoy the pleasures of the country living. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">More than anything I just hope that my future will be happy and surrounded by those that I love and living my life with pleasure. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Now I think I am supposed to hand this question set over to some others but frankly, I think I'm actually at the back of the queue and feel like I am left holding the baton. So, rather than delay posting this any longer if anyone hasn't answered these questions please let help me out by flagging yourself up and I can gratefully hand these to you with a flourish! </span>RedSetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16273883309628093072noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003287470150865297.post-48182207544396695472015-03-22T14:24:00.001+00:002015-03-22T14:25:53.471+00:00FutureLearn and MOOC'sHas anyone else tried MOOC learning? A MOOC is a Massive Open Online Course which anyone can join as the only entry qualification is an interest in the subject.<br />
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<a href="https://www.futurelearn.com/" target="_blank"><strong>FutureLearn</strong></a> is a UK based site owned by the Open University which draws on a worldwide range of partner Higher Education Institutions (HEI's). However there are many other mainly US based providers such as <a href="https://www.coursera.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Coursera</strong></a> , <a href="https://www.edx.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Edx</strong></a> and <a href="https://www.udacity.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Udacity</strong> </a> Some are larger with a wide content range and others are more niche or offer add-ons like a nanodegree! Coursera is the largest and even has some specialist content in Teacher Development which might be of interest to those of you involved in education or who are in professional roles where developing staff is part of your portfolio. <br />
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I've only used FutureLearn so far and have enjoyed it as I've found the learning to be engaging and of a high quality. The flexibility is key as it can be done anywhere when you have the time and an internet connection. There's also no need for a sun worshipping feline paperweight snoopervising your studies!<br />
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So far I've enjoyed an 'Introduction to Forensic Science', 'Decision Making in a Complex and Uncertain World' and 'What is Character? Virtue Ethics in Education'. So whether you are looking to develop a new interest, further a current one or just to challenge yourself then a MOOC might be worth exploring.<br />
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Note: This isn't a sponsored post I'm just sharing something I enjoy with anyone who might enjoy trying a course for interest, online and totally free. RedSetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16273883309628093072noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003287470150865297.post-43205889216229932362015-03-14T23:41:00.000+00:002015-03-14T23:41:05.742+00:00Marching OnwardsSo much happening, so little time and we are already into March. The laptop has come home again so posting and commenting is much easier. It seems to still not to be particularly healthy but is working for now. I've been loving visiting your blogs and your posts have sustained me. Commenting has been hard as the tiny tablet seems to struggle to cope with my blogging account and I couldn't download any pictures. <br />
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Last month was mainly taken up with my beloved little cat's surgery, recovery and return home. Our 'Dick Whittington' trip to the Royal Veterinary College in London for her neurosurgery seems to have been a success as her tumour was removed and she is very quietly almost officially in remission from her diabetes. <br />
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She travelled beautifully on the train to London charming all she met and lapping up cuddles and scratches from anyone who wanted to say hello.<br />
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I am documenting her story on my <a href="http://pepsimaxaddict.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">cat blog</a> as its been quite a time and a half. She is only cat No.25 who has had this surgery and huge thanks need to go to the Neurosurgical and Critical Care teams at the RVC who actually are magical!<br />
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An amazingly big thanks also has to go to Magic's wonderful vet at Glasgow Veterinary School as she has held my hand and Magic's paw the whole way through and maintained really supportive contact. We'd have been lost without her. <br />
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I'm was surprised to see my blog named by <a href="http://angeljemscitycottage.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/a-kiebster-niebster-no-i-got-liebster.html" target="_blank">Angel Jem</a> to answer Leibster questions. Thanks so much for this and I'm looking forward to answering the questions. Post to follow unless of course I actually win tonight's Lottery and can enact my first big purchase! Huge thanks go to the lovely blog friends who have sent kind wishes and emails while I've been missing from the blogosphere. <br />
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So what is new in Casa Gone Beading? My Mother continues to deteriorate, has frequent falls and now really hasn't a clue who I am anymore. Dementia really is a long drawn out and cruel bereavement. Its hard to face my feelings around this right now particularly as close friends have lost loved ones recently and are struggling with ill relatives too. My situation is really just an inexorable deterioration so more minor by comparison even though it is hard to face. <br />
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Technology and inanimate objects have clearly decided to act up. My boiler has broken and the 'Home Emergency' insurance cover decided it is beyond economic repair as they costed it at a whole £53 above my £1000 cover limit and chose not to allow me to cover the excess. So it was welcome to Chilly Towers for a week and a half. I've had to source as many quotes as possible in as short a timeframe to get a new boiler. After the major financial hit of Magic's surgery less than a month ago buying a brand new boiler counts as a financial disaster. Its ironic that the insured boiler was deemed not worth repairing so the problem lands squarely back on me. <br />
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Lookie the light is on, and this one is WORKING....!</div>
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Heating and hot water are a necessity. The convector heater did the job of heating a room but I'd have killed for a proper shower instead of the kettle shimmy to the bathroom. I found it hard to get my head round boiler knowhow in order to choose an installer as each quote came with another titbit of information or something else to ponder. However, I decided the first company which gave me a quote had been the most open, helpful and straightforward. It's a small company but they've been impressive and I'm glad I chose them. <br />
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Lovely steaming hot water!</div>
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In addition to my own laptop being cranky I also managed to drop my work laptop which now only works if docked as its screen is gubbed! This constitutes a bit of a disaster and the last two weeks have contained 'major hassle or impediment of the day' and to add to my misery including a trip to the GP with an abscess. I think I very much underestimated the stress value of everything that had been going on. My body made it clear though on the weekend after Magic came home as I was only wakened for three hours in total from Fri evening till late on the Sunday morning. Thankfully the cats got their food and Magic her drugs and testing in the brief snatches of time where I was actually upright and conscious. <br />
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Crafty-wise, I dusted off the sewing machine and it took me a whopping 7hrs to make a padded tablet carry bag and slip pocket for the back of my <a href="http://gonebeading.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/expletives-simmit.html" target="_blank">'expletives simmit'</a> for the tablet. <br />
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I feel very much in the remedial sewing class as well as being a blooming disaster magnet. I don't see me applying for the Great British Sewing Bee anytime soon. I loved the final episode of this as there was none of that nasty competitiveness as the three finalists really seemed to look after each other. So well done to them all. </div>
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I made another soft blanket for bringing Magic home from London and I'm now crocheting a cowl neck poncho in the same gorgeous chenille Flutterby by James C Brett for myself. It really is the most gorgeously soft cuddly yarn. <br />
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I want it as a garden poncho to keep me warm when sitting out in the garden once the sun has gone down. I waste my garden as I never use it and I keep thinking I need to find the love for it. I'm still deciding how long the poncho should be and plan to edge the hand holes and edging once its finished. <br />
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I don't have a pattern for this, so I sort of created my own from seeing <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2014/12/cowl-neck-poncho-ta-dah.html" target="_blank">Lucy's Ta-dah post</a>. Mine isn't an elegant one like hers instead it is a big huggy cosy one that looks more Yeti than fashion forward. I fancied doing each row as a different stitch but gave up as I was enjoying the comfort of just doing trebles. <br />
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I've done something wonky to the neck. I think when I increased to the next row I went round the wrong way. Its not too bad as this mistake actually gives it a crease point for the cowl to fold. I may have to put a drawstring round the neck but I'll see once it is finished. </div>
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Every time I do a couple of rows I sling it over my head willing it to grow. When the boiler broke I felt like crocheting it while I was wearing it! James C Brett are bringing out new more adult colours in Flutterby soon. No, dirty minded people, not shades of grey.....but a plum, blue, beige and pink. I only have access to the older shades so my poncho definitely looks more shades of ice-cream- Vanilla, Parma violet, Pistachio and Raspberry. I've been loving binge watching episodes of Stella on the Now TV box while crocheting when I can and I have only a few episodes left to go from the latest series. Don't know what I'll watch when it is finished. <br />
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Well, I think that's us more or less caught up and now I'm going to pop round and looking forward to being able to comment on your blogs. RedSetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16273883309628093072noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003287470150865297.post-44838137460184252102015-01-25T14:44:00.001+00:002015-01-25T18:22:37.666+00:00Grow Your Blog 2015Welcome to anyone coming here for the party and lots of love and thanks to <a href="http://vicki-2bagsfull.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/welcome-to-2015-grow-your-blog-party.html" target="_blank">Vicki at 2 Bags Full</a> and her little helpers for being hostesses with the mostest! <br />
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This is the second year that I've joined in and I just loved last year as I really expanded my blog reading horizons and found so many lovely bloggers. I will be doing a giveaway and will announce it soon. This is not to encourage you to make a second visit but because I am a bit scatty at the moment!<br />
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Grab a glass of fizzy apple juice as I tell you a little about my blogs. <br />
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I am from Glasgow, Scotland </div>
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and have two blogs, this one all for me and over at <a href="http://pepsimaxaddict.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">pepsimaxaddict</a> is all about my nutty cats and my life in their service</div>
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Originally the blog started off with jewellery making (and rescue from sneaky predators doing bite tests)</div>
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Right angle weave heart key ring</div>
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Paracord bracelet</div>
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Angel keyring</div>
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Chainmaille</div>
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As time has gone on I've diversified in to other crafts such as crochet, knitting, decorative glasswork and wrangling a sewing machine. <br />
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even the Christmas tree got the crafty twist this year</div>
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I also love taking you along with me on virtual trips and days out<br />
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Wallace Monument, Stirling </div>
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Luss, Loch Lomond</div>
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Rob Roy MacGregor</div>
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Girl on a Suitcase Gourock</div>
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Gourock </div>
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Milngavie</div>
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Start of the West Highland Way Milngavie</div>
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Duck Bay Marina, Loch Lomond </div>
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I love sharing my love of reading and listening to audiobooks</div>
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I also blog about random items, things that I have on my mind and certainly in the last year I've blogged about events such as the Scottish Referendum. However, my interest in politics and world affairs is very limited so these were probably one off events!<br />
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I have a few relatives I've been considering recycling! </div>
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Irn-Bru's very apt Commonwealth Games campaign </div>
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George Square, Glasgow on the eve of the Referendum </div>
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Thank you so much for visiting and I hope this has given you a little flavour of what my blog is all about. Please feel free to leave a comment if you'd like and enjoy the rest of the party. <br />
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With love, <br />
RedSetterRedSetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16273883309628093072noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003287470150865297.post-82016662444543908992015-01-17T09:38:00.000+00:002015-01-17T09:38:57.527+00:002015: Going Forward<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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2014 definitely wasn't the improvement I'd hoped for...</div>
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...and, for the first year that I can remember, I did not sit and have some personal reflective time at Christmas to review my year before moving onwards. </div>
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There have been some lovely things that have happened and most importantly it has been blessed by the most wonderful friends and colleagues in real life and through the personal conversations and support that have come through being part of the amazing blogosphere.</div>
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2015 is heralded by a number of challenges, which I have little to no ability to alter, right from the outset. I can't even contemplate how any of it it is going to pan out or where I am going to be at the end of the journey.</div>
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However, as I cannot trade in this life for one I'd prefer, which would be totally organised with no stray piles of ironing hiding behind the cat, then I think I am just going to have to face whatever arrives.</div>
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Last year's experience would suggest the best thing to do is just try to live in the moment and decide accordingly. </div>
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This sounds a bit like an anti-plan but it's a pragmatic solution that might be a lesson in itself to learn how to go with the flow, and see the wider picture.<br />
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They say that life is all about the journey... </div>
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...so, here's to all of us, travelling on our personal journeys, and the blessing of good companionship to see us through. </div>
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Happy, wonderful 2015 to everyone. </div>
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RedSetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16273883309628093072noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003287470150865297.post-72294447964041621092014-12-27T12:26:00.000+00:002014-12-27T12:26:04.451+00:00You live where...?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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How brilliant is this for somewhere to live?</div>
RedSetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16273883309628093072noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003287470150865297.post-72655067273205719382014-12-24T08:45:00.001+00:002014-12-24T08:46:08.491+00:00Pause in Advent 2014: Weeks 3&4-Loving Wishes<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5JU-I7xfE6M/VHocSHPkP5I/AAAAAAAAxFU/aZjubRpVQuw/s1600-h/pause%252520in%252520advent%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="pause in advent" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wg5_iHU0JQg/VHocS2IEMwI/AAAAAAAAxFY/X75zq1nN110/pause%252520in%252520advent_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="252" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 6px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="pause in advent" width="238" /></a>Life has somehow taken over again and left little time to Pause for anything which is a pity. However, as often happens in life sometimes we just have to go with the flow and hang on for the ride instead of directing the journey which may be a lesson in itself. <br />
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So I suspect my final and very late Pauses on this Christmas Eve are best used to wish everyone a warm, loving and spirit renewing Christmas break. <br />
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Thank you to all of those involved in the Pause in Advent and especially to <a href="http://trocbroc.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Floss</a> who originated this and to <a href="http://angalmond.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Angela</a> who made this year's possible. RedSetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16273883309628093072noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003287470150865297.post-90027989112679582392014-12-14T22:11:00.001+00:002014-12-14T22:11:26.604+00:00My Sparkly Wall TreeI saw this idea while browsing the internet last year and it stuck with me. The essence of it is lights attached to the wall using the 3M command hook products to recreate a stylish Christmas Tree which takes up no floor space. I've not been sponsored or anything just inspired by the unconventional idea. <br />
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It is really hard to get a decent picture of it but it looks much better in real life, honestly!</div>
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The wall fixings were two medium command hooks, fourteen small hooks and two packets of decorator clips. The clear variety is the best with the clear tape but mine are a mixture as it is what I could get from Amazon or locally as one of my orders went astray. It took 400 soft glow LED lights, 75 teardrop fairy lights 12 baubles and a tree topper. The topper was a bit of a concern as we've always been in the fairy for the top of the tree camp but it needs something that is flat against the wall and can be attached somehow which was a bit of a challenge.<br />
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Firstly, the hooks were placed for the tree shape and I stuck with a height I could work at without using a ladder. It's such a novelty being in a house that doesn't have a 13FT ceiling and not having to clamber up a 7FT ladder to get to things! These lights are actually twinkly ones and I was a little sceptical they might leave the living room looking like a disco but they are very discrete. </div>
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Next the fairy lights were strung across diagonally. Instead of placing the hooks in advance I just decided to hook as I strung them. In the end it took 3 packets of 25 lights to my surprise, and annoyance, as I'd only bought two. <br />
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The baubles form the 'pot' at the bottom of the tree and are just a square shape. I was ONE decorator clip short so tried to use three along the bottom but it didn't look great. (the bottom of the tree shows why the clear hooks are better than the white tab ones.)<br />
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This is much better, I think. (I know it is squinty but I am trying to ignore it!)</div>
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The tree topper is still making me laugh. I have no idea where my deliberations over how to either buy or make a fairy turned into a.......ruddy great stag's head! <br />
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Its been named Big Eric after the stag in the Monarch of the Glen. I do believe the original met an inglorious end but mine has no chance or being eaten. <br />
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I do love it though and as the tree is non-conformist then its probably right the topper should be too. Big Eric has also been graced with two spare baubles as earrings</div>
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So that is my main tree this year. I've loved the idea, had good fun creating, it has been fairly hassle free, the cats haven't mugged it and best of all there is no tinsel needing hovered up. RedSetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16273883309628093072noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003287470150865297.post-69779434974767525072014-12-10T02:39:00.002+00:002014-12-10T02:41:11.392+00:00Pause in Advent 2014: Week Two - Being Present<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5JU-I7xfE6M/VHocSHPkP5I/AAAAAAAAxFU/aZjubRpVQuw/s1600-h/pause%252520in%252520advent%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="pause in advent" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wg5_iHU0JQg/VHocS2IEMwI/AAAAAAAAxFY/X75zq1nN110/pause%252520in%252520advent_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="252" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 6px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="pause in advent" width="238" /></a>My Pause this second week of Advent is on the subject of being present. Thank you so much to everyone who commented on last week's Pause for your loving and very kind words. <br />
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On Sunday I'd hoped to sit and consider what my Pause might be as nothing particular had sprung to mind and I didn't want to write something trite. However, life brought me a lesson! My Mother has been increasingly unwell cognitively and is presumed to be in pain. For the last fortnight she's been distressed and irrational including refusing her medication which now has to be given covertly. I am not going to go into the gory details but despite the best efforts of the wonderful carers she was a ball of fury and no-one could connect with her on Sunday. It was all they could do to get her into some clothing as she had been naked, livid with rage and lashing out on the half landing of the main staircase. <br />
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When I arrived it was clear she had no idea who I was which is the first time there was absolutely no recognition and her behaviour included purposefully trying to push the carers and myself down the long flight of stairs. The attention was simply fuelling her distress so I suggested they leave her with me and I sat on the steps on one of the wings of the staircase within reach to grab her if necessary. I tried all my tricks to get through to her to absolutely no avail and eventually resorted to feigning calmness and disinterest while being alert to making sure she was safe. Many times while I sat there I questioned what the heck I was doing. I was doing nothing to improve the situation and anyone could have done the same for her. There seemed to be no value to our relationship as the connection was broken on her side. She persisted in standing for two and a half hours which was obviously causing her great discomfort but she was absolute in her refusal to sit as she knew better than everyone. Eventually, she began finally giving into the pain and effort of standing and she agreed to sit beside me on the stair. When she accepted my hand to help ease her down she leant against me in distress, and I have to admit I just sat cuddling her with tears pouring down my face at seeing her so distraught and out of control, oblivious to who I was which was heart-breaking. <br />
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Obviously, this is a personal story which has little to do with Advent on the face of it. However, afterwards it has made me reflect on the nature of 'being present' which is a facet of the reciprocal relationship with God. Relationships sometimes seem deepest in those times where neither party asks anything of the other beyond being there and knowing an unconditional love which transcends words or actions. I have always loved the <a href="http://www.footprints-inthe-sand.com/index.php?page=Poem/Poem.php" target="_blank">Footprints poem</a> and the hymn <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8UinjcUWhc" target="_blank">Walk with me O my Lord</a> which characterise the element of God's relationship with us which enables us to live our lives while feeling the comfort of having his strength nearby. <br />
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Being present can be both an active role of witnessing or it can be a passive, loving and non-judgemental role which contains humanity, humility and compassion all of which are intangible but deeply felt. Being present can also refer to engaging in the present moment.<br />
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Being present with my Mother on that staircase listening to the rain drumming on the glass cupola overhead met a need neither of us could articulate. I felt utterly useless and wondered why I continued to sit there as clearly I wasn't 'doing' anything yet I felt compelled to remain. It also made me think of my own relationship with God this Advent. <br />
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I have been trying to throw myself into Christmassy things, to power through work and make an effort with the house. I thought this purposefulness and activity was me being present in the moment which would strengthen my connection with God, allow me to hear his voice and embrace his presence. Yet Sunday showed me that being still, attending and pausing to be present can be of equal value. Just as we often call on God to bestow the blessing of his presence in our lives we perhaps also need to be reminded that the quiet gift of being present is something we too can give to someone in need. RedSetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16273883309628093072noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003287470150865297.post-70575926441552270622014-11-30T13:49:00.002+00:002014-11-30T13:49:33.899+00:00Pause in Advent 2014- Week One<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5JU-I7xfE6M/VHocSHPkP5I/AAAAAAAAxFU/aZjubRpVQuw/s1600-h/pause%252520in%252520advent%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="pause in advent" border="0" height="252" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wg5_iHU0JQg/VHocS2IEMwI/AAAAAAAAxFY/X75zq1nN110/pause%252520in%252520advent_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 6px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="pause in advent" width="238" /></a>I'm delighted to join in again with the Pause in Advent which was hosted last year by the lovely <a href="http://trocbroc.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Floss of Troc, Broc and Recup</a> who has passed the baton to the equally lovely <a href="http://angalmond.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Angela of Tracing Rainbows</a>. <br />
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I cannot believe a whole year has passed. It has been another year of tumult with some very deep and desperate lows particularly around serious illness in those that I love. I too have been severely limited in my mobility by on-going knee pain. There have been lovely and fun things that have happened, wonderful friends, blessings and abilities that have enabled, supported and created a sense of joy at times too.<br />
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In my daily life I hate routine and love going with the flow to engage and respond. I positively loathe having my days mapped out with appointments and demands. Where others enjoy structure, anticipation and planning I often find I've lost interest by the time a long awaited concert or event finally rolls round. <br />
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Conversely, in the important aspects of life and in my relationships particularly I crave certainty and security, finding it almost insurmountably hard to deal with uncertainty and not knowing where things are going to end. This often makes me very risk averse and I over-ponder decisions through my need to explore every single potential outcome and alternative. While this is hard enough to do for yourself it is even harder to do on behalf of someone that you love such as a child or parent who lacks capacity. This self-imposed pressure often becomes overwhelming which in turn makes things even more difficult and I neglect my own needs. <br />
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This is when I find it hardest to let go and let God and to hear the voice of reason that can only be heard internally when I am ready to listen. This Advent I feel the need to renew my connection with the Lord, to live in the moment and to find a way to negotiate a path between my fears and the need to embrace freedom.<br />
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This year particularly I need to make the best of this Christmas as it is likely prove to be more bittersweet than any other due to my Mother's advancing illness. To stop myself becoming overwhelmed by anticipatory grief I need to find my balance, to operate in the moment and to make time to meditate quietly so that I can draw on God's Strength, Wisdom and Love. RedSetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16273883309628093072noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003287470150865297.post-6805540029216491562014-10-31T23:51:00.000+00:002014-10-31T23:51:22.136+00:00Spooky Walk RememberedAll the ghoulish Halloween Tales reminded me of a Ghost Walk night out my colleagues and I had in Edinburgh one dark night some years ago. The plan was a ghost walk, dinner then the dancing I insisted on. <br />
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The ghost walk was a hoot, or at least I reckoned it was! My colleagues of a more nervous disposition were less convinced. We followed our guide round while listening to his tales of gore and yore and both of the team who had broken ankles tried to out do each other by proving how fast they could walk! They are both very competitive people and nearly knackered the rest of us with two functional legs who were trying to keep up. <br />
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It was a really good dark and atmospheric night and the guide was full of scary tales of the city's ghoulish past. I had to hold two of my colleagues hands on the way through the creepy, windy closes as the were both 'feart' and kept threatening to get a taxi to the restaurant to wait for the rest of us. The underground vaults at the end were very atmospheric but we didn't experience any phenomena which I was partly disappointed by and partly relieved about. However, I made sure I kept a close eye on the colleague who'd arranged the spooky tour as he was the very one I trusted least not to pull some stunt, broken ankle or not. I thought the tour was actually quite tame and tried to drum up some interest in us doing the Mary King's Close tour next but was met by pale faces and outright refusal by most of the group.<br />
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After a refreshing drink we headed off for dinner in a lovely Italian restaurant where I had to resurrect some schoolgirl language skills to explain to our lovely waiter who spoke virtually no English that I'd been given the wrong prawns. Replete after a great meal we headed off to go dancing but found the place was mobbed. A drunken girl, whose make up had melted and was not clinging to the original features she'd applied it to, staggered by the stairs and exclaiming it "was too hot and all the men were ugly". Trip Advisor she wasn't but after we managed to wangle ourselves into the place we realised she was bang on the money! Worse was the dance floor was the same size as a piece of plastic cheese. Four of us who are vertically challenged managed to weave our way to the bar then had to be extricated by one of our chaps before we got a drink as the rest of the group had decided to decamp somewhere quieter. I never did get to boogie that night. <br />
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After an incredibly circuitous journey home the cherry on the pie as I crept in the door at 4.30am was finding the results of my dissertation were waiting for me and I'd passed! RedSetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16273883309628093072noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003287470150865297.post-81380435774477032602014-10-30T19:09:00.001+00:002014-10-30T19:09:33.248+00:00Novel Shopping ExperienceThere are some family members that I love dearly and there are others that take more effort. What I didn't realise was that there was a place where they wouldn't go to waste and I could still feel I was doing something good for the environment. <br />
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RedSetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16273883309628093072noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003287470150865297.post-2922334093066837442014-10-28T22:41:00.002+00:002014-10-28T22:41:51.784+00:00Fast Food Dining Emergency<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Who says fast food is bad for you? I was ravenous one day and decided to get a drive through Happy Meal as my prospects of getting home anytime soon for some proper lunch were pretty slim.<br />
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When I saw this I wondered if the stuff was as bad as people say and needed a paramedic and an ambulance response but no, it seems the only emergency here was their need for an afternoon break too.RedSetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16273883309628093072noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003287470150865297.post-46409901522779992922014-10-27T00:08:00.002+00:002014-10-27T00:08:57.301+00:00Foodie GoodiesI was having a conversation a couple of weeks ago and we somehow got onto the difference between Scottish, Irish and Northern Irish foods. One colleague shared the info that one of the large Tesco's in the East End carries a range of Irish foods including Tayto cheese and onion crisps. Obviously I just had to have a little Irish fix, and sure enough they had a reasonable sized World Foods section. It wasn't huge but it had some favourites I've not tasted in ages. This was my Irish haul: <br />
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I've had to position the Tayto crisps carefully as there appears to have been some kind of pilferage that went on before they made it home.... *looking away shiftily*. All I need now is a Bewley's Cherry Bun and I'd have been happy.<br />
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They didn't have any white cheese popcorn but I've found an even better white cheese popcorn in the form of Popangles from ASDA. These are tortilla chip shaped popcorn which have the added benefit of not having the irritating bit of husk that gets stuck between your tooth and your gum. They are gorgeous with salsa dip. No pics as they didn't last long enough. <br />
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The section also carried some American foods that I've heard of but not tried so they also fell into my basket. <br />
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The Butterfinger was odd but quite nice, sort of like a peanut cracknel. However, the Milk Duds were absolute duds and after a few chews I realised they were foul and I ejected them into a hankie. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised as there were few ingredients I recognised on the label which is probably why they tasted so 'chemical-y'.<br />
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This Jamaican one is from a different supermarket. An old comfort food favourite used to be Knorr Chicken Noodle Soup which I would add a pile of pasta to along with chopped onion, leftover chicken, spring onions or whatever else was to hand or took my fancy. It was a great cupboard stand-by until they proudly announced on their packet that they were now meeting some reduced salt target and sadly it appears that all the flavour went with it. I tried adding salt to it but no, the actual chicken flavour is irretrievable gone. So I decided to give this one a whirl and found it was very good as a base for pasta/noodle soup. I just don't know if I'll be brave enough to take the packet through the till again!<br />
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Life doesn't seem to be easing up the pressure so I decided to take to the bottle with dinner tonight. </div>
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Sorry, it was only the juice option that came with my M&S meal deal. It was actually really nice and I'd probably buy it again. <br />
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Hope your week is going well and you are not being blown about by gales like we are right now. Take care.</div>
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RedSetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16273883309628093072noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003287470150865297.post-86054825092724041432014-10-19T16:28:00.000+01:002014-10-19T16:28:04.173+01:00No Rest for the WickedIt always feels a bit odd writing a blog post after a little bit of a gap. I can't decide whether to try write up everything, which leaves me feeling overwhelmed or just to write a little trickle which seems to misrepresent the chaos that seems to keep following me. However, here's what's been going on. No pics as I've mislaid my camera cable!<br />
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My Mum took very unwell this week and is in hospital for the second time in a couple of weeks. I decided to eschew the local hospital on account of their incredibly poor standards and carelessness. Last time she was referred there by the GP but this time I chose to scoot her through the Clyde Tunnel and take her directly in through A&E at another hospital where her care has been superior in the past. She is still on IV antibiotics; there is a staged approach to her immediate treatment priorities then to regroup and look at the other co-morbidities which might be implicated. I have Power of Attorney for my Mum and the staff have fully engaged me in her care and approach me with questions or answer me openly when I speak with them. Her behaviour can be quite difficult at times and I do not wish her sedated unless necessary so twice the staff have called me for assistance and both times I've been able to intervene to calm her. I cannot tell you how much of a relief it is to have confidence in knowing she is being well cared for and that I am still able to share her care. <br />
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I rarely get out much as I have to pace things with my gammy knee but have been making efforts to move things on. Sod's Law my Mum twice needed admitted to hospital on two of my three outings! I did manage to get to see La Cenerentola by Scottish Opera which was lovely even if I did get a call from the hospital, which I could deal with by phone. Scottish Opera are a fabulous company and the only complaint I could have is that the scenery is always done in black or gray with only the very odd bit of colour. It really makes me pine for the gloriously extravagantly coloured operas in Italy. <br />
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The gammy knee was looking hopeful as there was a little bit of improvement which has now been destroyed with the extra walking necessary from adding hospital trips. This has been quite revelatory as I thought I was coping and improving but it kind of shows me how just a tiny extra distance is enough to cause serious pain in my knee and bad numbness in my hand from taking so much weight on the crutch. On the upside it saved the physio hurting me when I had my appointment as my knee was actually too sore to do anything with...! I also had a couple of episodes of a strange facial numbness which could have been related to the medication I am on but has been ruled out as that. Thankfully, it seems to be going and hopefully wont come back. <br />
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The week before last I had a couple of visits from the Fire Brigade to replace my smoke alarm which were quite funny so I'll write them up as a post. <br />
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Magic remains as stubborn as Margaret Thatcher and is refusing to allow her insulin to have much of an effect. As so often happens this will entail more expensive testing and treatment and as her insulin doses are getting ever higher both her vet and I have developed a nervous tic. Her blood sugars are 18-24mmols on 8units of human glargine insulin which is deeply frustrating especially as she was doing really well. We are anxiously awaiting the results of her IGF1 acromegaly test which should be back in the next week or so. Both cats are as perceptive as usual and with all the stress with my Mum I've been waking up roasting hot and sweaty because one or other is wound round my head like a Davy Crockett hat and the other is acting as a foot warmer. It is most lovely of them but my default temp is superhot so the last thing I need is a pair of toastie cats trapping me under my quilt and boiling me to death. <br />
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On the crafting front I have lots of WIP's and ideas for things that need or would be lovely to do but finding the time is part of the issue. The dining room, where I usually do my crafty stuff, is also wreathed in damp washing as the weather is utterly foul and the rain torrential. It should be in the spare room which is still too full of boxes and miscellaneous items to get the washing in. Although I don't generally feel the cold I had to switch the heating on last week for a little while which surprised me as it had got really cold. Usually it is mid-Nov before I crack but who knows with our crazy weather. <br />
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The garden is a complete lost cause and the wind keeps blowing all my big plastic plant pots over. The buddleia and roses are down yet again but I'm not going out to stand them up again till it stops raining and blowing a hoolie, which might be nearer May next year! My theory was that the plastic would be easier for me to lift and manage. However, I didn't realise you need to weight them down! I'd hoped I might be better by now and could have cut the grass myself but that's not happened so I need to call the gardener and ask him to cut the grass and break the news to him that it hasn't been cut since he last did it in June....! I had to stop having it cut as the vet bills were my priority and cat wins over grass. This time though I may need to employ Indiana Jones to hack his way through it.<br />
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So that is you probably up to date. I'll try to post more often and wish you all a week filled with happiness and time to do what you would like. RedSetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16273883309628093072noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003287470150865297.post-49134241757515282672014-09-27T23:39:00.000+01:002014-09-27T23:43:12.150+01:00Funny boneRecently I finally managed to have dinner with two old friends who I'll call Mary-Kate and Ashley to spare their blushes. We've been trying to catch up for absolutely ages and we finally managed to get a time and date nailed down. Even this didn't go well as the week before Ashley and I had both turned up to find out the deranged Mary-Kate had had a brain burp and meant the following week! <br />
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Unfortunately, for me as my knackered knee saga continues I became the reluctant topic of conversation. Both friends used to be orthopaedic theatre nurses and they were 'keen to explore' my reticence at allowing anyone near any of my joints with a Black and Decker. Although I am beginning to knock on a bit, at my age it would still be classed as a 'young knee replacement'. Mary-Kate revealed to my astonishment that she'd had a conversation with an orthopaedic surgeon friend about my knee with no names mentioned and apparently it is not a disaster and I "should get a good 15yrs out of a replacement"! I knew she'd kept my confidentiality and was just info gathering on my behalf so I wasn't upset as they were both trying to make sure I got the best of care. However, the pair of them were like a dog with a bone...or more correctly a juicy knee joint! It took me ages to divert them and neither the starter or getting them on to the referendum gave me much respite before they got back to my knee. <br />
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I am peculiarly squeamish about my own bones and joints and this even extends to my dining habits. When the main course arrived I thought hallelujah as we could concentrate on the food rather than my knee. However, I realised too late that the chicken supreme I'd chosen comes with a leg bone sticking out! I couldn't help myself exclaiming "Oh, no!" as I was horror struck that I hadn't realised how chicken supreme comes. When I explained it was the leg sticking up and not the meal itself that had distressed me the pair of them fell about laughing. Thankfully, I was able to annex a chunk of my chicken and the bone went with it as the shame of having to have my dinner carved by an orthopaedic theatre nurse would have been just too great.RedSetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16273883309628093072noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003287470150865297.post-6851697506947954552014-09-22T01:11:00.000+01:002014-09-22T01:11:04.622+01:00Scottish Referendum ReflectionsThank you to everyone who commented on my previous Referendum posts. Whether you were pro, anti or just generally supportive I have loved having your thoughts on this moment in my country's history.<br />
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I'd planned to post on Friday evening but, as often happens life got in the way. My Mother became suddenly very ill that morning and she became my priority. She required admission to hospital but thankfully she has improved even though we only have a presumptive diagnosis. She is still not entirely 'right' but I am just so grateful she is better than she was as the situation was looking grim. <br />
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Anyway, to wind up my posts on the Referendum here are my thoughts and reflections on the result. On Thursday night I stayed up until the first result came in. When Clackmannanshire returned a No majority I went to bed with a feeling of foreboding and was not entirely surprised at the overall result. Predominantly, I just felt an overwhelming sadness at an opportunity lost and a slight touch of relief that the necessary upheaval to effect that change would not be happening. I was also sad to see Alex Salmond resigning as I was beginning to develop a grudging respect for his political astuteness and skills. Though this may simply be him manoeuvring Nicola Sturgeon into place.<br />
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Two days on I still feel slightly saddened by the result but given how close it actually came in the end I believe there will be a resurgence of interest. I am amazed that Glasgow, which is a staunch generations' old Labour heartland and proportionally the largest council, achieved a Yes majority. I think enthusiasm for independence will return and that this has been a staging post towards Scotland becoming an Independent nation. SNP probably lost predominantly on the financial uncertainty and I would imagine the next time if this aspect is nailed down then the outcome may be different. <br />
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I completely reject the notion that 'healing' needs to occur between the two sides of the debate and between Scotland and the rest of the UK. I have not had a cross word with anyone online or in real life during this whole time. This is what democracy is, the answer was No, and we move forward on that basis. If you are grown up enough to vote then you make your peace with it and move on. I was saddened to see that the warm and fuzzy geniality in George Square on the<a href="http://gonebeading.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/eve-of-referendum.html" target="_blank"> eve of the Referendum</a> was replaced after the result by vile, neo-Nazi, sectarian characters spreading their own brand of hatred and pack mentality. These looked to be the kind of amoral nutters who exploit any opportunity for foaming at the mouth mob based hatred irrespective of the 'cause'.<br />
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I found it quite strange that older voters were more heavily balanced towards No despite having probably benefitted most from the health and social care reforms enacted by the devolved Scottish government so far. I am acutely aware of this as I don't know how I would have coped to fund and manage my mother's continuingly complex care needs since 2006 had I lived elsewhere in the UK. Perhaps older voters felt more aligned to the idea of the union from past associations, wars and industries or just less inclined towards change. This might be why younger voters were skewed towards independence. <br />
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So, having had a No majority we now proceed towards the Unionist utopia of maximal devolution, or devo-max. This apparently promises greater powers for the devolved Parliament over taxation and decision-making for issues impacting Scotland. One of the most persuasive drives towards a further referendum might result from how well the Westminster government delivers on their alleged promises of devo-max, or not. I am cynical that three party leaders who clearly loathe and distrust each other can deliver, but we'll see.<br />
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The Prime Minister has opened the floodgates by suggesting that far from Scotland being the prodigal child he is widening the scope to ensure all parts of the UK will be given devolved powers. I agree entirely that this is right but it does make me laugh; instead of upholding the Union as something cohesive and homogenous he's proposing dividing up the very union he was advocating....??! <br />
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So, far from being the divisive nationalists portrayed as shunning their kindred UK brethren, Scotland has actually shone a light on the political inequalities of the dislocated Union and created a vehicle for improvement for all the four countries of the UK. Any chance the political parties will acknowledge this, or is it just easier to blacken the name of the upstart haggis bashers.....? (answers on a postcard or sealed down envelope on this one...!). <br />
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It has been fascinating for me to be involved in this Referendum, even if getting to a final decision was a tortured journey. I have seen myself move from a careless No to a thoughtful Yes who felt that Independence was, and is, something worth having. Maslow's Hierarchy places Esteem and Self-Actualisation at the top of the pyramid of growth in humans yet we settled for a Sense of Belonging. I hope that this 'sense of belonging' proves to be for the greater good of the nations of the United Kingdom. RedSetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16273883309628093072noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003287470150865297.post-8716453418746665442014-09-18T22:50:00.000+01:002014-09-18T22:50:03.645+01:00Voting Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieG2NmZcEzZrdkuP8Cdex0V0pfCQAOximBszuaiCgrZl9-zpQu40lsDf0IIN_tB9Js4psaqvtLIFiupoM-4eoOcEJUGWrWjPzxEZO7Z-EVRYbYlDKqfoe2Np1_pVRvgSu-Laf51IDOmm8s/s1600/DSC00934.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></div>
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Well, I did indeed question myself and my motivation to the very last moment, but the deed is done. Glasgow is one of the last to report their results and, as the largest proportional area, this might be pivotal. </div>
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My journey back to work took me a different route today and I have been utterly struck by how sombre and determined everyone looked. This is George Square in Glasgow which is quite strikingly different to <a href="http://gonebeading.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/eve-of-referendum.html" target="_blank">last night's gathering</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxbMoBXLEkSDroNgk9xZSl-RbARYHOhlvbpMqzU5C5rlISiJlKeuwJIdHHz_zhuF6rM2Gs4pZRxM0YJ2bouyZXV4E1wVGNhnJLX__FIZwwQnJDPWxJgetswtvCD5flqMYMNvR801X6NHC/s1600/DSC00930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxbMoBXLEkSDroNgk9xZSl-RbARYHOhlvbpMqzU5C5rlISiJlKeuwJIdHHz_zhuF6rM2Gs4pZRxM0YJ2bouyZXV4E1wVGNhnJLX__FIZwwQnJDPWxJgetswtvCD5flqMYMNvR801X6NHC/s1600/DSC00930.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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There may have been lots of banter and noise in the run up to it but it looks like the decision is not being taken lightly which is reassuring. (Excuse the reflection from my dashboard)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4Kn_Cf0qDLe6fZ0gjCNBV8iNqcg_49lsq59hDwxwBKLjjHGSZxojpmdnbFnDBGE4SOhj71U4gyW3ezjI6BaHbGuyRlH_N5vYAw3AmxDvxRJM-AdBYXSDxC66OO2qu5JqHQzo20MNdVGO/s1600/DSC00931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4Kn_Cf0qDLe6fZ0gjCNBV8iNqcg_49lsq59hDwxwBKLjjHGSZxojpmdnbFnDBGE4SOhj71U4gyW3ezjI6BaHbGuyRlH_N5vYAw3AmxDvxRJM-AdBYXSDxC66OO2qu5JqHQzo20MNdVGO/s1600/DSC00931.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am anxious and uncomfortable about the result and, in all truth, I genuinely don't know which decision I hope prevails. The alarm clock is set for very early tomorrow to see what the dawn brings. </div>
RedSetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16273883309628093072noreply@blogger.com6