Mad Sisters Weekend

Well, we're back. I went to Anns Thursday morning and we went for our hair doing together. I think thats the first time that has happened since Ann and Rob got married in 1970. It was great, after we had our hair done, we went for lunch then back to her house to settle down. We had planned to do some scrapping together but the time just ran out. We just talk none stop while we are together.

On Friday morning we got on a train to Manchester. This is the first train either of us have been on for years and I have to say it was horrible. The stations were really grotty and there were lots of steps and no lifts. I just don't know how disabled people or people with buggies go on. Our Ann of course put her "Oh dear, what am I to do" face on and got her case carried for her. I just don't know how she does it. Anyway the train experience is one neither of us want to repeat for a long time, so its back to the car next time. It baffles me how, when the government are supposed to be encouraging people to use public transport, the stations and trains can be in such an uninviting state.

Buuuuut, the hotel made up for all that. If you get chance you really must try and have a stay there. Its the Marriott Victoria and Albert hotel in Manchester and its gorgeous. It was converted from an old industrial building and all the ceilings a made of original wood and beams. The food is fab and the staff are brilliant - nothing is too much trouble. We also went on the Manchester wheel, which was a surprise as I didn't even know there was a Manchester wheel until we came across it when we were shopping. Its like the London eye, but on a smaller scale, and it was really good, although the wind had got up a bit while we were on it and the pod we were in swayed like mad when we got to the top. We also went to Salford Quays and visited the Lowry Designer Outlet centre. Theres a craft shop and a Paper Mill shop there so as you can imagine we spent plenty of money. Oh and there was a sale on at the Molton Brown shop so we came away with some bargains there too. All in all we had a brilliant weekend - ooooh I do love my big sis!

Our room - I used the timer on the camera to take this and nearly knocked Ann off the bed as I rushed back over to get there before the shutter clicked.

The lounge bar - so comfy

Manchester Wheel

Puddings mmmmmm...

Creme brulee with homemade shortbread &

Bitter orange chocolate tart with orange cream

Its a glorious morning and I feel great. I'm staying with my sister, Ann, tomorrow night ready for the off on Friday morning. I'm so excited, you'd think I was going somewhere exotic instead of to Manchester for the weekend.

As some of you know I am the best example ever of a yo yo dieter and yes, I'm doing it again. I started slimming world a three weeks ago and have lost absolutely nothing so far but I got weighed this morning and my scales say I've lost at least 3lbs - Yippeeeeeee! At last!

I stayed up till nearly one o clock this morning finishing a double page layout of Millie. We've taken loads of photos since she was born so I took some of the best ones and did some scrapping. Its amazing how many expressions a 7 week old baby can have. She has just started smiling properly, especially when I stick my tongue out at her and blow raspberrys - so... guess what I spend all my day doing.

Window

Had a go at HS-MS photo challenge today. The title was window. I didn't have time to try it during the day so I took one in the dark - here's the result. It looks like someone outside taking a pic of me taking a pic inside, of course its only the reflection. Don't know if this is quite what they were thinking of buy hey ho. Oh and I just want to say the things that look like mucky marks are well... mucky marks. I hate cleaning windows and my window cleaner has retired.

Weekend Stuff

Had a lovely weekend despite the weather. Jess came to stay on Friday as usual. Its a special time, as we do lots of nice things and lots and lots of chatting. I usually let her stay up late and then we go to bed together and play games, sing and tell each other stories. On Saturday morning we stay in bed till around 9.00 a.m. and then she has a boiled egg, in the same eggcup, and toast soldiers for breakfast.

I want her to remember these special times with her nana, so took some photos to remind her when shes all grown up. I'm going to scrap them at some point over the next couple of days.

I've been searching through loads of scrapbooking sites today to try and get some inspiration. I feel my layouts are getting a bit tired and when I see some of the ones other people create I feel I'm not doing my photos the justice they deserve. I'd also like to have a go at digital scrapbooking but don't really know where to start so I shall be picking brains over the next few weeks.

Blogaholic

OK, I admit it I'm a blogaholic. I've spent nearly all day trying to make my place more interesting by putting on slideshows in my sidebar. Easier said than done I want you to know, and if it wasn't for my Bubbly friends, I would still be struggling. Anyway I did it eventually and even managed to put on my daughters wedding from YouTube - am I clever or what??? I've just discovered another blog, Her space, My space (once again from my bubbly friends) which sets photography challenges every day so I'm going to have a go at that tomorrow. I really love having a blog, aint they fun??

My Big Sis

Me and big sis, Ann, at my daughter Clares wedding in September 2007

Had a lovely day today. My sister, Ann, came for a few hours before picking up her father in law. I took her up to Clares and introduced her to Millie, then we al went out for lunch at the Darrington Hotel. The meal was nice but Clare recommended the chocolate fudge cake for afters. It was gorgeous, we all just sat there making ooooh, aaaah noises while we were eating it (I'm sure you know what I mean). She also brought back the Bubblyfunk CJ that she had been doing the final LO on. This should have come back to me in November but as it was mine she decided to take her time - surprise, surprise! Anyway here are the pics:

Many thanks to Lynne, Lynn, Karen and of course our Ann

for adding their fab layouts to my little book.

Ann is also mad about crafting but she spends most of her crafting time making gorgeous cards. I keep trying to push her into having a go at scrapping and I think I've got a step nearer achieving that goal today. We went into the local craft shop and came across the DCVW 'Once upon a time' 12 x 12 paper stack. It is absolutely beautiful. Anyway we bought it and decided to share the papers, so she's gone home today with 24 fabulous 12 x 12 papers and she has agreed it would be sacrilage to cut them up for making cards. Soooooo she has three choices:

1. She can take them home and just stroke them
2. She can demolish them and make cards with them

3. She can do her very first scrapbooking page

I do so hope I've inspired her enought to do number 3 but we shall see.

As for me, we've talked so much about cardmaking today, I'm just gonna sit down at my craft desk and start making some cards. Something I haven't done for months. Wish me luck!

My Baby Boy

In Crisashyland last night, I was messing around with the computer and found a picture of my son I hadn't seen before. It had been taken by one of his friends and been downloaded onto my computer. Just looking at it made me realise that he really is a man. He's no longer my baby boy, he's strong and independent. Its funny cos I see him every day, tell him I love him every day and without exception tell him to be careful as he goes out of the door but I take for granted that he is still 'my boy'. I've told both him and his sister to "be careful" since they were teenagers and in some silly way, I'm now frightened not to say it. I suppose its a bit like not daring to change your lottery numbers, it feels like tempting fate. He's 26 now, he's left home twice and come back - he knows the door will always be open. Clare, my daughter, says he'll be here till he's 40 cos its such an easy life - doesn't cost much, comfy home, washing done, meals when you want them! OK I'm a pushover, I accept it, but you can't change the habits of a lifetime - can you?