A quick catch up...........

Finally I was offered a move by my housing association. Just in time as far as I was concerned, as I really had reached the end of my tether. However, as I'm feeling much better now, the less said about that the better really. I just NEVER want to feel that hopeless again.

We moved house in the middle of July, and we had been in here just a week, when my son lost his home when his ex - partner moved up north, with less than a weeks notice to him. Unfortunately although they had been together about 15 years, his name had never been added to the tenancy, so he was homeless.

 So,... although I now have a lovely little 2 bed house, I have three adults here, and an extra household full of 'stuff' to store. Every room is packed with boxes, but what can you do? 

Eventually I expect one (or both) of my children to move out, and then I can decorate properly, and finish unpacking At present it's almost impossible to reach the walls to paint them, in ANY of the rooms. I'm embarrassed to answer the door really, we are in such a pickle, but my little house is so nice I can deal with waiting, its just such a pleasure living here.

I had a 10 day holiday with my Dutch friends in August which really completed my return to a peaceful existence.  We didn't do a lot, but I could just feel myself unwinding, and they just let me laze around if I wanted. It was just what I needed really.

I had an order of 30 Xmas cards from them, with very specific instructions as to the wording and font required on the inside and out. Originally I sent them 3 or 4 designs to choose from. They had already requested 'plain, simple and classy'., and they choose one of those with the modifications listed above.

Also while I was away I had my silver ring mended at a jewellers. It is made of one of the original 'Dutch buttons' and I have collected a set of jewellery made of these old pieces. There is only one place in Holland making them now I believe, and they are intricate pieces of work. So much, so that I wouldn't let a local jeweller loose on one!  Anyway, the girl who repaired it for me, also  cleaned my necklace and bracelet and charged me only €5, which was nothing!

 Once I got home I made her a thank you card.  I used a Lili of the Valley stamp and watercoloured it, as I felt more comfortable doing such a fiddly design with paint rather than promarkers. The backing paper was from a Papermania Urban Fairies range, and I cut out the circles with spellbinders nestabilities. Once completed, I added some diamantes to make it glitter.  I trimmed the edge of the card with a Martha Stewart border punch.

Despite  bodies sofa surfing and boxes stacked  everywhere, I have managed to set myself up a peaceful craft area in my bedroom, and I've made some Xmas Cards. 

 As I was setting up I found all the rubber stamps I'd purchased that I've never done anything with.  (Mostly because my depression had left me so uninterested in doing anything).  Anyway, I've promised myself that I'll make at least one card with each of them before I buy any more, and my list of 'wants' is growing quickly, so I'd better get on with making some. Also I have to revitalise my website... so I have plenty to get on with this coming year.

I feel so much better in myself that I don't find the amount I have to do at all daunting, but instead rather exciting.

 There is also the garden to sort out as I need to get some raised beds made, if I can afford the wood. I have plans to grow as much of my own produce as I can this coming year, I miss having a stock of my own home grown food in the freezer. Also it's far too expensive to buy fruit now. I have asked for small fruit trees as birthday and Christmas presents from my family as  I plan on growing them as espaliers up against the fences.  Watch this space as I will post pictures as I go along.  I wish I could plant straight into the ground, but my back pain and arthritic knees prevents me from kneeling and bending. Raised beds are going to be the only way for me to grow things. I have just had the fence replaced and a new shed built, so I'm on the way.  Anyway...........visitors just arrived so I must dash.