very early signs of spring

Thought the film The King's Speech was excellently cast and acted.  I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it although some friends thought it too slow.

Monthly bolbie club came round again; surely a month can't go that quickly.

Had a few sessions of work.  Still can't get over finishing on time and going home without a load of marking and preparation.  Went on to Crown Point Shopping Park and the sun came out making the temperature above zero.  People were immediately evident coatless, wearing T shirts yet not cringing from the cold.  I wouldn't go that far but I did remove my hat!  On of the plant troughs sported a polyanthus in flower and  a purple viola has opened in a plant on my front step.  Surely a very early sign of Spring.

Did some voluntary work with another retired teacher.  We both agreed that retirement suits us.

Took my Auntie to see her friend on her100th birthday.  It was lovely weather and I was dressed ready for gardening.  When we arrived we found that they had arranged a surprise party.  As well as the birthday girl's nephew and nieces, the local councillor, the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Leeds plus the Lady Mayoress of Manchester were there.  It was too warm with my coat on and my Auntie dragged me into all the photos (not this one) wearing my gardening gear.

It was Ronnie's birthday this week and Louis surprised us by singing Happy Birthday in Ivrit.

It has been an expensive week with little to show for it.  Had my computer looked at and now it runs much better and had a new fuse box fixed as messing about with fuse wire isn't easy.

I can recommend the charity shops in Ilkley.  We bough a huge chinese vase (could be Ming, but can't read the chinese) and games of Draughts and Stacking Chairs.

 Cafe in Valley Gardens

   Went to Valley Gardens in Harrogate.  Some people were sailing remote controlled boats in the pool which was still icy in parts.  Titanic came to mind.  A little speedboat was grounded on the ice and someone sent their larger craft to the rescue.  Boys and their toys!  The kids cycled and 'scooted' as they call it and enjoyed themselves on the well equipped playground which even has a zip wire.  

Then to Ripley Castle tea rooms for Omelette and Chips.


Had my nails done for first time for ages.  Full of cold so been at home for a couple of days.  Not a pretty sight!

2011: ....... in with the new

Happy New Year

Babysat New Years Eve but was woken at midnight by a cacophony of fireworks.  Kids back at school/nursery and everyone is getting back to normal after, what has been for most, a very long holiday.  I'm not working until next week but have spent the week visiting dentist, hairdresser and supermarket; mundane stuff.

My pilates class has folded so I returned to Claire's group where I was welcomed like a long lost friend.

No improvement in the weather.  In fact we had a heavy snowfall on Friday.  Went with Val to York Designer Outlet and bought a couple of tops.
 

Garden looking sad but I felt better after watching Carol Klein's new series filmed at her garden at Glebe Cottage where I saw similar scenes.  What am I like, comparing my garden with hers!

Reading Old Filth by Jane Gardham; her descriptive writing is excellent.

2010: Out with the old ......

Met up for lunch with some ex-colleagues in Otley.  There was still a covering of snow over Otley Chevin and the fields which made the sheep look grubby by comparison.  We (Martin, Sue and Pete, Janie and Lizzie B) started off at Wetherspoons and had lunch at Korks Wine Bar and Brewery.  Good choice of vegetarian food at a fair price of £8.95 for two courses.  Steve and Jean joined us for coffee.

Ben came for the weekend and brought us Grandma and Grandad mugs with Freya's footprint; priceless.  On Christmas Day we went for a walk in the park with the kids
 

On Sunday we spent an enjoyable  afternoon at Beryl's with the family.

Braved the crowds and weather and  went to the sales in Leeds centre.  Naomi bought for England and I ended up with a black T-shirt.  Ben's gone back to London en route for Sweden.  He's really missed his girls.

We had a trip out to Ripon, which could be described as an old market town but its cathedral gives it city status.  We parked in the square and, as both the pay and display machines were blocked, we reckoned it was free parking.  On emerging from Yorkshire Trading, we saw a traffic warden by Ronnie's car and hurried over as quickly as we could bearing in mind the square was like a skating rink.   After explaining that the machines would not accept our money, the warden agreed that we did not need to pay but we had failed to display.   We hadn't even tried to print a ticket without paying!  Call it Christmas spirit,  but no further action was taken.

We drove on to Ripley where we had lunch in the grounds of the Castle.

This tree was pretty in pink.  Will have a trip round the gardens in the summer.
Took the kids to the Canal Gardens and warmed up in Tropical World and Butterfly House.  Just the thing for a freezing cold day.

 Check the temperature!

This year's panto at Harewood Village Hall was Cinderella and, apart from the Ugly Sisters who didn't really need a mic, we had a good time.

Can't believe it is Freya's first birthday.  She had a party for her family and received lots of presents.  She is leading a jetsetting life there:

 Swedish Santa pays her a visit

 ....... horse riding

 ....... sledging

 ........ walking

 ...... watching TV?

Can't wait to see her!

Went to Harlow Carr with the kids.  A bit too muddy and icy to go in the maze and playground, but a pleasant walk.  From the bird hide we saw a squirrel had somehow managed to get to the tray of seed in the squirrel-proof  area.   Red Kites were again in evidence.

And that brings us to the end of 2010 and I wish all readers a happy and healthy new year.  I never fail to be amazed at the 'hits' from near and far.  I would love to know how you came to read it.

As I re-read my blog, I am reminded of  happy times and good fortune.  I have previously mentioned that it wouldn't be real life without its share of misfortunes, disappointments and challenges but I have chosen to focus on the positives.

I am not one for making resolutions for the new year, but I did say near the start of this blog that I would tackle the garden and try some writing this year.  I have also set myself the challenge of getting fit (and less fat!).   Perhaps my blog should be less eclectic.  Feedback always welcome.

Concerts and Parties

Attended Ellie's nursery concert.  She's been singing the songs for weeks but on stage, faced with a bank of parents, she didn't utter a word.  However, she did wave and blow a kiss to her grandma.

 

My faith in human nature has been restored when a bag containing a fair amount of money was left in Tesco by guess who (and it wasn't me) was handed in intact.  Pity we cannot thank this anonymous good Samaritan.

The ice and snow has all but disappeared for now although the weather people warn there is more to come.  I took the opportunity of a walk to the Canal Gardens.  I felt quite sprightly even though my granddaughter observes that I have an old neck.   I noticed that the water was frozen solid but there were signs of growth in the herbaceous border, if you looked closely.  I could even detect the shoots of bulbs emerging in my own garden - not that I'm comparing it to the park.  I read a saying "Live each day as if it were your last and garden as though you will live forever".  I think I will adopt this as my mission statement.

We think it's cold here but it was minus 25 in Sweden and Freya couldn't go out.  The weather didn't stop her grandad who disturbed a hibernating bear and lived to tell the tale.

Sunday was Louis' 5th birthday party, shared with another boy in his year.  Forty young children in an indoor play area plus parents in the cafe area can be really noisy and the party was enjoyed by all and no catering or tidying up afterwards. 



 the cake

  

Another meeting of the 'bolby' club; how quickly a month goes by.   We exchanged  news and speculations and were treated to a scrumptious chocolate and apple cake which was baked in one of those new silicon cake 'tins'.  I don't understand why they don't melt in the oven.  I have requested the recipe, if anyone is interested.

Have been asked to look after a neighbour's gerbils for a few weeks.  I haven't actually seen them as they are snuggled down in their straw bedding.  They're not stupid, the weather has been freezing.

Bought a squirrel proof bird feeder.  I'll outwit the little fellow yet!




 Yes, just for you - the feeder on the far right

  






It is a tradition to go to Monika and Dave's on the Sunday before Christmas.  The table was laden with home baked mince pies, stollen and biscuits and of course plenty of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink.  A very friendly crowd of neighbours, colleagues and ex-colleagues (of which I'm one).  I got a lucky bag to take home with one of her famous advocaat cakes.  I am putting on the pounds due to lack of exercise, contentment or greed.

A white chanukah

The snow remains with us as the freezing weather stops it from melting even from the treetops.  Picturesque it may be but, as temperatures plummet in the night,  the ice makes conditions hazardous on the roads.  It is mostly too cold to play out in the snow.




The chanukah candles have brightened up the evenings and Louis and Ellie have lit them with us on most nights.  On the 7th night we went to a chanukah party at shul where we were entertained with magic tricks and a Punch and Judy show (had forgotten how much violence portrayed) and ate latkes, vegie hot dogs and doughnuts - well you can indulge once a year!

 

 

 .... at the Goldberg's

 

 the purple menorah made by Louis at school. 

I have sent an upright hoover and some steel tipped boots to new homes through the local freecycle group. It's great when people can find a use for what is on offer.  I have received such items as kids bikes and travel cots from fellow freecyclers, although some of the items to give away make me laugh - and then someone takes them.

Emma and Freya are off to Sweden for a month; I will ask for photos to be sent.  Freya will have her first birthday there.  Oterlie and family are due to arrive from Mexico on Thursday.  The world seems a much smaller place, yet I can hardly make my way on foot to the local shops it is so icy!

Done a few sessions of work and my CRB check has been approved for there too.

Corrie is exciting yet unbelievable.  I wonder if I can continue to follow it after this week.

I see from my blog dashboard that I have been viewed by Croatia.  They must think that all this fuss about the weather is pathetic!