Grow your Own

Isn't it so beautiful out there today... there is talk of us having an indian summer !

We have been picking the apples off our tree today, how satisfying does that feel, I'm really into growing your own fruit and salads, its amazing.

We have buckets of apples that taste beautiful so Ive decided that after i pack orders this week i want to take the kids out fruit picking, I vowed last year i would have a go at making my own jam and possibly some elderberry wine for my fella, so as its that time of the season, I'm going to do it.

My favourite is plum jam ! last year i helped my neighbour out a few times by lending him my huge copper pans and he used to give me a couple of pots of the result of his Victoria jam, so this year I'm going to try and make it myself from his recipe...

The last time i went fruit picking (last year) the kids were eating more than they put in the buckets, then i went with Estelle raiding the land next to where we worked which resulted with me covered in nettle stings as i kind of got stuck up the tree and over the fence, so this year ill take the easy option out and go to the local farm....

I'm not sure what we are going to do with all these apples yet , they are golden delicious so it would be a sin to cook them, but a few of them are heading for the toffee apple making class I'm planning for the kids, my fella makes amazing toffee so im hoping to rope him in for this one.. Its made up for all that watering this year now.. It feels really good......

Open Book

Last night was lovely, my fella cooked and we spent the night just chilling out watching TV, its not normal for us so we both enjoyed it, I caught up with X Factor as ive managed to miss it up until now so Saturday nights ill be totally unsociable and stay in (or tape it).. I cant help it, I love watching people go for their dreams its inspiring... they do happen for some you know...


Its been really good to spend some time with my fella and family, and although hes back to work today its been a really nice weekend...


Today im putting the house back in order and catching up with work, im feeling excited about the kids all going to high school next week, ive got a few more bits to get for them, hair cuts to do all round which im hoping Dayle will help with as hes brilliant and makes the kids look really trendy.
Im making plans on what id love to do before xmas and although its probably not going to happen i can still dream, I want to decorate the kids bedrooms desperately, they havent been done for 10 years and two of them dont even have beds! Brandon went through a bad patch and set fire to his and Lauren outgrew hers, we didnt have much room up there so got the small beds when they were younger, its coming unstuck now though as her feet hang over the end... but that's my goal and what they want for Xmas, some of that wooden floor stuff and a bed (with drawers underneath of course Lauren)... The painting ill happily do when i have saved up enough to get what i need, Ive got 3 months and Ive worked out each will cost approx £220- 250 for flooring, beds curtains and covers. so if you see me down the car boot on Sundays selling off all and sundry you know what I'm saving for... Id love to be able to do that for them after all the love and support they have given me.....what a gift that would be...

We have managed to survive another summer holiday without getting the 'holiday' part again, but no ones complaining... I have such great kids, they understand and would just say they want their bedrooms done first anyway (something to do with fish and star themed bedrooms that are so not hip)... Next year perhaps things will be achievable, but until then we will continue to smile and find the fun in every day...

My fellas working tirelessly to better things here and the help and support his partners have shown us, tells me there really are some good people out there........its like following that yellow brick road not knowing where it leads, but still feeling so excited about whats ahead..

Its been a good summer, Ive learnt that nothing stays the same even when you want it to, but that each day opens a new chapter to lifes book and brings fresh hope.

Its what we do with those pages and how we read them that will make all the difference.....

I'll be reading enthusiastically...

Salsa Boat Party

Well its certainly been a weekend to remember! Im completely knackered now ....

Tonight we went along to this years Salsa Boat Party.. its been another great night... two brilliant parties back to back..

The broads looked beautiful all lit up with just about everyone waving from the land at a boat full of happy people all dancing away under the stars, its not everyday you get to do things like tonight, but my tickets booked for next year!

I was the driver tonight so my fella could have a drink and im really pleased, it was lovely to see him so relaxed and happy, we managed a few good dances but not as many as last night, as we took a picnic and managed to get a bunch of our mates all downstairs tucking into it while catching up on what everyones been doing, it was lovely..

I saw 2 herons which ive never seen that close before and i didnt get chucked overboard so that was an acomplishment all by itself, as i was tormenting a few of them... hehe
Anyway nads got the photos so no doubt they will be all over facebook tomorrow, but tonight ill share whats on my phone and bid everyone Goodnight...

Theres a warm bed waiting with one hell of a lovely guy waiting for me so...........

As Its been another amazing night im ending it on a high with my fella ..........

Dance Cuban Party Night with Leandro

What a night that was ~ What a party! it was brilliant guys !!

I'm totally dead this morning, my feet are throbbing (and my head) but my house is still all sound asleep thankfully, im leaving my poor fella up there til at least 1pm. how he managed to do that last night without having any sleep the night before ill never know ~ I'm so glad he did though, it was totally brilliant !

Leandro is something else to watch (hes extremely sexy with it ladies) this guy gets his hips to move in ways well lets just say it gets the mind boggling (or is it just mine) hehe.... filthy woman stop it !

We joined in his reggaeton class (thought id better spell it correctly this time too before Richard tells me off) how good was that class, Ive been sitting here this morning sticking my bum and chest out to the beat practising away on my own, not recommended when you've got a mug full of tea though, put that down first! its honestly infectious that beat is so alive and kicking i just want to get up and dance.... The whole night was superb, the atmosphere was electric i had so many dances my face hurts from smiling (my lips stuck to my teeth ) so got to test those mojitos out all night as my fella offered to drive.

Its going down in the books for 'A Night To Remember' from everyone who was there, im sure..

I didn't think they could top that last party, but yes ~ its been done! Sharon & Richard you guys really are something else....

Where did you get all that energy from? and can i get some please........... its those mojitos Richard? ..... hic........ you were dancing for England!

I know we haven't been dancing for a couple of weeks due to my fellas work, but walking back in there last night, it felt like we've never been away... I even had a dance with Richard and didnt stand on him !! well if i did hopefully he didn't notice ~the mojitos were going down well...

I'll post some photos once i ask Richard if i can pinch his (hurry up and get them on your site Richard we want to see them) I gave my fella my phone as i was drinking and have a history of ringing friends up telling them, "what a wunderbul time im having ~ hic" well you don't think to check the time when you're having fun do you .....oops

Anyway i need to soak my feet in cold water and get my straighteners out, I made the mistake of curling my hair for the party so look like the 'wild woman of Borneo' this morning. A few of the guys got tangled in it when i was dancing with them too... imagine a birds nest and you'd be on target...lol

Today i have to be at the stables at 2 as Lauren is in the gymkhana there (and i want to see the horses and hopefully convice Kevin to let me ride one) but today dads coming with us ~ OMG
(he asked to come!) then its back for another shower and get ready for tonight... its the Salsa Boat Party !

if you haven't booked your tickets, its not too late ~ you can pay on the boat door ~departing from Wroxham bridge at 6.30pm.... a boat full of mad people ~ all taking picnics and blasting out salsa down the broads while we dance the night away, waking up the ducks...

All on an open topped boat...... Sounds brilliant doesn't it .... last year was !

So all you lovely people out there, have a great day and enjoy the bank holiday weekend, the rest of our weekend is free so we are playing it by 'ear'..... when of course i can get this reggaeton beat out of it first..... it feels like i can still hear it!

A huge THANK YOU to Richard, Sharon, Leandro and Sexy Sasha this morning (Jane calls him mr guiness as hes so smoooth) You guys gave us all one hell of a night to remember last night..

What a party ! What a night ! it had to be Dance Cuban....................................

CUBATON - Gente de Zona - El Animal (2009 Official Video)

OMG I love this song so much..
It always reminds me of Sharon and the girls and regaetton..
Bring on the party..............

Good Morning

Its Friday already ! Im waiting to get that Friday feeling, but its not here yet! perhaps its on its way, ive got packing to get done as yet, my eldest has promised to take it to the post office for me (he wouldnt yesterday so i stomped up there by myself to make him feel guilty) but as usual nothing is stiring up there.. i made the mistake of letting him have his mates sleep.. so as usual nobody did...hehe

My poor fella sat up all night working as he needed something finished for this mornings meeting, i felt him creep into bed at 5am, how tired must he feel today, i felt guilty going to bed so stayed up til 1.30am but couldnt keep my eyes open, i honestly dont know how he does it, his partner is just as nocturnal as him, these guys work hours most of us wouldnt believe (or could manage)so my hats off to what they have achieved this week, WELL DONE (please dont worry about the car!) I will manage without one, it does me good to walk .. :)

Speaking of walking places, im rather dissapointed this week, someone only went and pinched my eldest sons bike! why do people steal things, he does 3 paper rounds and was really upset! Ive always taught my kids to respect other peoples property, so i hope whoevers pinched it gets something of his stolen so he knows how it feels...

Tonight we get some time out, at last..
we are both really looking forward to this party, ive phoned Richard and told him to keep our tickets safe, it seems like ages since we have been out together and is much needed, i love dancing with my fella and cant wait to get him on that dance floor !
Im taking my camera as Leandro is going to be there, ive seen him dance before at the Talk and couldnt believe what this guy does, his style is so unique, so if what ive heard is true and he is taking a regaetton class tonight, please count me in..... i dont want to miss that.. not sure if i can remember how to wiggle, but ill have a good go with the help of a vodka !

Blue Jeans Gal

I dont believe it myself but i overslept this morning, i must be getting good at this now..

Thankfully my fella will be coming home today~ im so pleased ! not sure yet if it will be in time for salsa but i know he will be tired so im just happy that hes coming home full stop.

Ive managed to sort myself out for him this week but didnt get much time out, yesterday was mad as people were popping in all day, i never found a part of the day when someone wasnt here, which is fine but i did want to grab a bath which you cant really do when you have visitors, i had to do my aunts hair which took ages (5 hours)but got to spend time with my grandparents which is always good and spent some time last night with my good friend Stelli, I cant believe im saying this but guess what i did? I gave away my X-pole to her (shock, horror) lol

I enjoy riding and salsa so much and i dont need the pole anymore, it did keep up my fitness when i stopped kickboxing which was lovely, but its been sitting in my shed waiting to be put back up and never quite got there so ive given it away, im welcome to go to hers if ever i get the urge to sling on those thigh highs and swing round the lounge, ill just knock her ornaments over instead..

Today im now going to start the packing and get the orders out, someones being kind to me this week and is keeping me busy which is always great, the house is actually in good order and the kids all seem to be happy today ~ probably as they know dads coming home, i know im happy about that too.. is it normal to get excited about seeing someone youve lived with for 16 years?

Tomorrow is the party ive been waiting for at the Staithe, ive pulled out my wardrobe several times trying to find anything other than jeans to wear, but no matter what i do my eyes always wander back to my faithful friends, i know they are comfortable so ill feel happy and its probably what ill end up wearing as usual..

Its just the way i am and always will be i guess

'Forever in blue jeans' ..............................

Dreaming Again

Its been a very busy few days, we had Steve's sister come over for the weekend which was lovely, she brought over her kids that happily played with my lot and got to know each other, it really was a lovely weekend. Saturday night we did a BBQ and lit the fire pit, how amazing my garden looked all lit up and in full bloom, its somewhere very special for me to go, a place that i can think, drink tea and just generally dream away........

Ive now got an extended family in regards a huge family of starlings have taken up residence in my bamboo, i didn't know they even ate bamboo, but waking up to them all singing away really is inspiring for me, its always cheerful ~ even when you feel knackered ! My shopping list now consists of bird food as essentials...im sure they know how i feel sometimes, id never have put myself down as a birdy kind of person.. but i look forward to them coming every day now. ok ill shut up now......

I went off riding yesterday as usual so Claire gave me Pip again, i stayed behind as i was in my need to chill moods and in no hurry to get away, so happily walked all the rest of the horses out into their fields for the night talking to Claire, is this what its all about for me? why do i feel so bloody peaceful out there... it can be raining, blowing a gale or full up with people, i don't see any of that, all i see and feel is happy and content.

We went out hacking again which is always lovely, but didn't get to canter like last week, there was more of the group there and some of them aren't happy to be flying through the cut crops like we are (strange people)..........It feels like nothing else Ive experienced, so free and yet so wild.. perhaps mum was right i am a wild child junky at heart, i just let people hold me back with their assumptions and stinky attitude towards anyone whos genuine or kind inside ~ people of course cant be can they!........ anyway im not even thinking about it, its not worth the headache......

I discovered something else about myself yesterday too ~ I want to ride a camel through the desert as fast as it will carry me, my fella cracked up at that one, but its been added to that never ending list i hope i will get through before my times up, Ive rode a camel before in Turkey but it was too tame and not what i hope to do, tell me i watch too much TV and you'd be wrong, i just come up with these strange wantings all by myself...................

My worlds back to being a single mum again for the week, my fella packed and left early this morning, Ive been TOLD no decorating this week and working myself to the point of having hairy legs and looking a state ~ trust me, ashamedly its true.......... I did get the hall and kitchen finished though so it was worth the bush tucker trials hes had to encounter this weekend...hehe

But this week i plan to

Dye my hair and let the kids help out (i promised Lauren she could dye it for me) god help my sense of humour sometimes, anyone know where you can buy good wigs?

Epilate my legs and those nether regions, that are the only thing about me that feels 'under worked!' at the moment..

Paint my nails (whats left of them) and rest up.....hehe

Im not sure i can sit here for 3 days doing that lot, i could probably manage the lot in an hour so ill have to drag it out, in between blogging............

Tonight im trying my hand at cooking Steves famous Lamb casserole ~well hes not here to cook it and stole many of my recipes so its only fair i do the same... Im hoping to achieve 'Mum does it better!'

Been thinking about this year and whats changed! so much its untrue, god knows how but we have managed to get through to August still partially sane and eating (thats thanks to my fellas working life and not mine) I'm not dancing nearly as much as i want to, partly as i have no transport all week so cant get to salsa! (sorry guys, I miss you all) but this is the last away trip for a week or two, so we aim to change that starting with Sharon and Richards party Friday night followed by the Salsa Boat Party on Saturday. I was so tired last weekend as i did way overdo everything, so need to save some energy for this weekend..and sort out my hairy legs of course!

Pip (my borrowed little white horse) has brought so much happiness to my life, silly as it may sound, its not easy bringing up 4 kids and working all hours like this, when i go to visit him all he asks for is a mint and a gentle person, i talk to him all the time I'm riding so everyone thinks ive lost the plot up there, but I'm sure he understands what I'm saying, if ever i get enough money coming in every week i have promised him ill get him on loan from Kevin and take him out of the school, hes always energetic, sympathetic and pleased to see me so to be able to go see him everyday and just go out riding with Claire and my friends would be my ultimate, sometimes we all need one to one to make us feel good, id love to be able to do that for him, i wouldn't outgrow him as i don't grow, only shrink, so i could take the dogs up there with me and just go feel that sunshine on my face..or rain of course..

I cant go off wandering round the world until my kids are through school but as this year all 4 will in be in high school, (omg) i know that times growing closer, so i have to stay alive inside in any way i can.. I'm really lucky in that i have met my soul mate and have a family that id die for to protect, but theres still so much out there id love to see, do and share with them so these guys hopefully will all be coming with me.........

Right time to get back to normality and clean this place up again ~ they wont be able to mess it up if i dont........ and i dont like to spoil the fun or dissapoint...............

Its the anniversary of Neils passing tomorrow and im trying not to think about it..

But not doing such a great job again i see .....

Some people will always be missed..

Happy Birthday

Wishing you a very Happy Birthday today ....

Doing It Myself (Not DIY just DIM)

When do you say to yourself enough is enough? I really need go to bed but I'm trying to get this bloody painting done, I'm knackered, i stink, I'm hot and sweaty, covered in paint but not done yet!

My fella phoned so that cheered me up, but hes staying an extra night! which is probably a good job looking round at this place... Why do i do this to myself?

I wanted him to come home last week surprised and love what id done (which he did ) but muggins has took it in her blonde thick head that she wants to decorate the house, am i nuts ? (don't answer that please, i already know the answer)...lol

The kitchen is just about done, just a couple of top coats to the utilities end, but then i have the hall to top coat all over! its a mess, I'm tired and it wont make for good painting as Ive discovered tonight.. more like the 'wonky tonk woman'

The funny part of the day for the kids was mum falling off the worktop (oh yes i can perform acrobatics whilst painting too!) ......they found it highly amusing to see me and Lauren fall in a heap, perhaps they thought they were tears of laughter as Callum came in took one look at us, poured himself a glass of water and walked out as calm as a cucumber !

We couldn't help but giggle even though we were hurting, so i guess it brought a smile to the afternoons misfortune...

Poor Lauren was a bit battered as i fell on her, complete with roller still in hand, head first! Luckily shes bendy and saw the funny side later!! ill count the bruises i have tomorrow when im not so ratty and try to remember, not to stretch while standing on a wet draining board... or better still buy some step ladders and use those!

The hair colour definitely matched the brain cell today.... Oh shit! doesn't provide a safety net, I can painfully vouch for that......

Tomorrow night come what may I'm not going anywhere near a pot of paint, so ill get up early and get this done out of the way, the next time i come up with " Ill keep myself busy while hes away idea" i know what to do... Go riding instead !

Hes going to be away a few days every week now by the looks of it and theres no way i can keep this lot up, Id forgotten how hard it was to juggle, my work, kids, sleepovers (theres 6 up there tonight) packing orders and redecorating as ive discovered today.. I'm dead physically

Probably why my house hasn't been painted for yonks......... (I waited until id forgotten the last time) hehe

I stink, am a lilac shade everywhere, have a bedroom full of moths waiting to pounce, but i just don't care tonight...

......... Ahhhh Sleep is all i can think about...

Sounds wonderfully bliss doesnt it.......... Its 12.29 am so bugger anymore painting tonight...

Im going to bed, hopefully that lot up there will quieten down and let me sleep now. (why do they call them sleepovers, they DONT GO TO SLEEP!) lol

Goodnight all ...

Ride like the Wind

I know ive already blogged today but ive come home so happy i just had to tell you all about my evening.. it was amazing! my fella keeps telling me to shut up !

As many of you know me, you would know my dream is to ride up a beach on horseback, its silly to some people but to me its one of those ' has to be done moments' well tonight Claire gave me the best riding experience ive ever had...

There were only 3 of us tonight in the group plus Shona and Claire who work at the stables, so Kevin said we could go out hacking, ive never been hacking with my new group before but the hacks i have experienced have all been walk and trott only, well tonight i got such a surprise!

It was beautiful sunshine, so warm, there wasnt a drop of breeze so she took out into the fields , where i havent been before, as far as you could see was just fields and trees , its breathtakingly beautiful. So she stops us and says right one at a time "GO!"...... "trott, canter do what ever you feel like doing" its about enjoying being alive and my god didnt it feel great !..

Pip was so excited and just went for it, the stretch just went on and on, I have never rode that fast or felt that free in my life, i cant begin to say how it made me feel, I was screaming with happiness inside, the world didnt matter it was just the Pip and me...

When i got to the end Pip neighed loudly to his friends (who were all doing it back!) so we turned back and rode like hell to the other guys waiting.. it was pure magic........

I have always been the kind of girl that loves the woods or anywhere where i can feel that connection to nature and tonight was one of the best nights ive ever had... not simply just because of the riding, but because it gave me so much hope and excitement! Something happened so good that i didnt expect,which can happen through life if we believe it will and are prepared to go for it...

Nothing is impossible although sometimes we think and feel it is, but the best things in life are those things you dont expect ...

Ive had the most magical day all thanks to a field, some sunshine and one beautiful little horse called Pip..

My fellas off again tomorrow but i know where i'll go if i start to feel down... to that little spot in my thoughts that tonight has given me..

Its been an amazing journey today............................

Jumping into new Week

Its been a bit hectic this morning, my fella pinched the car so i didn't think I'd make the jumping lesson, thankfully Jean came to the rescue and came and picked me up, i hate to miss it, Ive been looking so forward to it all weekend.. the amusing part was my fella had all my gear in the boot of the car! Kevin was brilliant and leant me just about everything so i could ride, but the back protector wouldn't go over my bust (it was a kiddies one) so i had that flapping about every time i took the jumps...lol I was waiting for it to fly up covering my head, it was one of those old fashioned ones that has a large girth that's supposed to go under your crotch !! hehe.... not likely.. I left that flapping about too so the girls were threatening to take photos and load me onto facebook... how embarrassing would that be, the kids would disown me, they know how much i love riding or should do now, i looked like something out of a bin but didn't care less as long as i didn't miss it.. the horse doesn't mind, so may as well give everyone a laugh today while I'm at it.. hopefully i should have my gear for tonight's lesson, were out hacking (yippee) its my first hack this year.

The lesson went well although Ive now got to go like mad to get everything ready for tomorrow here ~ my fellas just told me hes taking the car this week now :( so I'm going to get some food and paint in and get prepared, its not going to be much fun stuck in all week without any transport so ill try and make the most of it and get the kids painting again and doing stuff here, they like it.

Most places we can walk to like the park etc, so as long as we have lemonade sparkle ice lollies in that freezer (every ones favourites) I'm sure we will be fine..

Saturday we went to Ingham fete with our friends to help with the demo Cuban salsa dancing display, it was such a good afternoon, the kids won me 2 necklaces on the tombola (which are gorgeous) and we were playing with a lama (yes you read that right!) he was lovely, Ive never seen one before and found it highly amusing watching him following his master about with his beak about 2 cm's away from his head, he was such a character, but my kids wanted to take it home... can you imagine it...lol

Right its time to hit Homebase and get some food in ........

Have a great afternoon everyone.......

Wake up Calls

I was sitting outside this morning as usual with my cuppa thinking about the day ahead and listening to the radio, it was supposed to be chill out hour playing on the radio, but for my poor neighbour she got one hell of a un-chilled out start today.. kids ! they bring so much heartache and worry sometimes, i really do feel for her, this morning my eyes were welling up, at the crap she gets everyday, just by doing her best to be a good mum...

It started off with her going into his bedroom to get him dressed, (which is next to my lounge), hes 20 but has so many disabilities and demands constant care, this lad is really big due to not being able to walk or exercise at all, it must be so much hard work for them, over the years of living next door i get to hear and see alot but i wont ever complain, they cant help the noise and do their best to give their son the best possible life they can give him, but it doesn't come easy.
He has violent outbursts like nothing else ive seen at one point we used to get all sorts of things come flying over our fence, but solved that by putting up a canopy to pretect my kids, they did the same, but it not really his or his parents fault, even a dinner plate in the wrong hands does damage, so we try to understand and help them, especially by not complaining..

I know some people in the past who have been their previous neighbours couldn't hack it, they moved from house to house, but to be honest i don't think living next to triplets when they were babies could have been very easy for them either! i know from my point of view some days the screaming and crying would drive me to tears, but thats what you have to deal with, with children and why we have to put ourselves last on that list ... the more you put into them, the better you hope they will be prepared for that big bad world...and that we see is our responsibility as parents no matter how hard it gets at times..

Well this morning my neighbour went into her sons room to help get him dressed, to find he had woken in one of his ' bad moods' i knew as soon as i heard him swearing and banging about it wasn't going to be a good start for her, within mins she had been punched in the mouth twice and hit around the head with various objects......bear in mind her son weighs at least 18 stone, it must have really hurt her, i could hear the reaction she was having bless, what do you do when you hear someone getting hurt and you cant help, its terrible! I wanted to get over that fence and help but i know i have to stay quiet as thats what she wants and that she gets this everyday, I was standing behind that fence praying he would stop and she would be able to change his bad mood, but with a lot of children like him you cant............ parents who look after disabled children in my eyes deserve medals, my little sister has a little girl who's badly autistic and trying to communicate with her is so hard, she lives in another world, only she knows, full of frustrations that she cant get across to us. Ive watched my sister just like Jane battle with day to day things but still have a smile for you if they see you outside, these parents really need such a strength to deal with what they have on their plates, we moan about the silliest of things and feel sorry for ourselves for the stupidest of reasons, self pity doesnt come into these parents lives.. yet everyday they go through their lives having so much stress heaped on them, we simply wouldn't now what had hit us..
I count myself lucky, yes we may have worries, but we cope so its un-important really, but i don't get battered about and have to face a start to my day, like i witnessed this morning before anything else came into her day....
Parenthood isnt easy, but some parents get it hard all day, everyday ..
So today my thoughts and best wishes go out to them....

Results

I finally got finished yesterday just in time for the weekend, i was hoping Saturday everything would be back in place and thankfully it is, how nice was that to wake up to a tidy kitchen, its been a wreck all week...

This afternoon we are hitting the Ingham street fair with Sharon and Richard and our friends from salsa, so hopefully its going to stay sunny.

Anyway as promised heres the finished result... Ive still got to do the other end of the kitchen, but my fellas away again next week for a few days, so ill pencil that in for when he leaves Tuesday, the kids really enjoying helping me paint so hopefully it should be another positive week, im really pleased with myself, kitchen done and both gardens done! if i carry on like this ill have the whole house redecorated in no time..

Messy Blonde at Work

Im having 5 mins out, muttering away under my breath so many swear words this morning, but im not giving up yet!

I sprayed my awkward breakfast table this morning, got up at 5.45 so i could get it done before the kids got up as they tend to play with the lights inside it so im being crafty and what did i do? got granite spray all up the walls ive already painted...lol its everywhere!

Its good stuff as it really does look brilliant, but how messy is this bugger.....or is it just me being messy?

I came up with my table ages ago but never got to finish it how i wanted so im adament this time i'll do it properly, ive even got flashing lights to go inside it ready...

My fellas gone off to Marks to work for the day so im on a mission to try and get this lot finished so tonight i can get that white spirit out, clean myself up (im a lovely shade of purple, lilac and granite shade and restore some kind of calmess here .. my house looks unbeliveably messy ive got champagne sitting amongst t towels and paint and i need to stop blogging and get on with it today..

Ill show you all the results hopefully by tonight.. Its a meal a movie and one lazy night in store for me and my lot........

Surprises

Its been a great couple of days, I'm getting everything i wanted to do done, what a brilliant feeling that is, yesterday i went back to the stables and got to ride as near to my dream as possible without the sand or sea, to have that place by myself was amazing, I cantered round and around for so long and haven't felt that free for years, they told me to close my eyes and picture that beach and boy didn't i.. I came away from there so happy inside it was untrue, i was on high all night!

My fella has been working his arse off as i knew he would but had told me he wasn't coming home until Saturday night! although i was a bit sad at that as we had one hell of a party to attend Saturday that none of us wanted to miss, so today i get a call (this afternoon) telling me hes on his way home ! talk about happy !!

Ive missed him like crazy of course but really pleased with what Ive achieved here, at the start of the week i was feeling a little lost, but as the days have gone on, Ive felt so much stronger and adapted really well, sleep was coming easily by Wednesday, probably as Ive been decorating, gardening and doing all sorts of wonderful stuff, until i couldn't do anymore and fell in a heap at bedtime.. the kids have ALL been helping to paint and backed me up here which is brilliant..

So tonight although hes come home to a nearly finished kitchen, we are ignoring the mess, I'll finish the main part tomorrow anyway, but it looks amazing and is well worth the work and a little upheaval.. I'd forgotten how much i love doing stuff like this... I'm covered in paint but couldn't feel happier tonight if id won that lottery.. Steves so pleased and loves it !

Anyway as promised here's the back garden that Ive been working on, its my tranquil place where i wake up regardless of the weather with my cuppa and the radio..

So count us in for Saturdays party you guys ! we will be there now !!!

Tossing and Turning

What a hellish night, I tossed and turned for hours not able to find sleep, I've got a week like this, its always that first night thats the hardest, it took me ages to get used to him working away then when he came home i couldnt sleep as i didnt have enough room! lol

No seriously it wasn't an easy one, the kids were all yapping away trying to make as much cover up noise as possible but every noise i heard had me shooting out of bed to check, I couldn't have done anymore yesterday to knacker myself out, i didn't stop all day and night, so i guess today I'm just going to have to come up with something else....... yes a bottle of vodkas coming to mind now..

On the good side last nights riding was amazing, Kevin must have felt sorry for me last week (i was so crap) as he put me on Pip, he was so well behaved i just seem to work with this little horse so well, as much as i still like riding the bigger horses best, i have to face the fact I'm not bloody big enough ! Kevin calls it a pea riding a horse, and as much as i try to get these big guys moving its very hit and miss to whether they will or even indeed if they can feel they even have a rider on them.. he says the latter............

I was a bit nervous as theres a guy who works up there and rides the race horses and Ive been told how good he is so guess who comes to watch our lesson.........lol yep! if theres anything that's guaranteed to make you make cock ups its knowing that he was there standing in the spectators area watching us.. Thankfully Pip bailed me out and cantered beautifully for me all night~ i must remember not to lean when I'm going round corners though, too many days spent leaning for England on the back of a Suzuki 750 i should imagine.......lol

Today Ive rallied round the kids to help sort the back garden out, Brandon was a gem yesterday and worked tirelessly on weeding the front garden, it hasn't been done this year and took us 6 hours, i tend to work in the back garden all the time as that's the place i spend most of my time..

I'm hoping to weed the back , plant the new guys in both and then start work on painting the hall.. Just the kitchen to go then..

Ive got the chance of having a semi private lesson on Wednesday at the stables, and if i get this lot done I'm going to take it up, it will be my push to get this lot done so i can reward myself..

I'm missing my fella as theres no one to steal the duvet or snore at me all night ! but at least im getting loads of work done for a change ! I'll be ready for the pun jokes when he gets back ....

Today is going to be a good one as im on a mission , ill post the photos tonight to put some pressure on myself to get it done, i seem to work better when im being pushed but Steves not here to do that for me this week so ill 'do it myself '..... in more ways than one ! lol

Starts

Its been an early start.. My fellas now gone to Scotland until at least saturday, so ive got the week all planned and after packing the weekends orders im going to make a start.

Now ive said im going to paint the house i better get it done...lol
Riding tonight so at least i can get an hour out !

Movies I want to See

Ive been looking so forward to this film..

Eric Bana is one of my favourites so one night next week im taking myself off to watch (and drool over) this film

The timetravelers wife

It looks brilliant ! and everything ive read about it says its one not to be missed!

God knows how many times i watched Troy just to see this guy in action again, he even knocked Brad Pitt off my sex god list...........This guys number 2 ( just in case my fella reads this no 1 is you of course!) hehe

Sheringham Carnival

We bundled the kids in the car last night excitedly, everyone wanted to go to the beach. So we headed for Sheringham, its one of my favourite ones and definitely the kids favourite!

We didn't realise the carnival was on so what we thought was just going to be fish and chips and a walk up the beach was much more entertaining.

You could hear the music pelting out so we followed it and ended up dancing away to the sounds of two great live bands, the first was a young girl singing all modern stuff (she was brilliant) and then the main act came on.. They were an Irish band but as soon as they opened up with the Killers hit 'Human ' we knew we were in for a good night, these guys were amazing...

Sheringham is so quaint, its kept its charm and everyone is friendly as we walked through to the beach there were groups of people all dancing away in the warm night air, what a way to enjoy the sea side.. it was beautiful. Watching that sunset fade away leaving just that huge moon was lovely..

After the band finished we headed for the amusements with the kids all carrying bags of coppers ready, i headed straight for the candy floss shop and came home I'm ashamed to say with a huge bag full of Jos things i really shouldn't be eating, but I'm going to anyway, you cant have a trip to the beach and not come home with a memento or two..lol

We all had a really good night and left rather late! so every ones still asleep here.

Ive got one more day with my fella today before he goes away for work Monday for a week now! (im not complaining or moaning in case he makes it two weeks!)but we will be having a quiet one today. I'm going to need some energy for all this decorating im planning and the gardening of course, my neighbour bought the plants round yesterday and theres loads of them! so im going to have my hands full, that was such a lovely thing to do, we are really lucky having David next door im constantly popping round (not for sugar) but for gardening utensils..lol hes told me to eat all the tomatoes off his plants too! so salads all next week kids ! lol

So today will be spent out there in the sunshine, making room for these new guys..its going to look amazing out there, and hopefully if i get the painting finished my fella will walk home to a bright new home...

Have a great weekend everyone, we're knackered !!

Lifes symphony

We enjoyed a chill out night last night, Me and my fella cooked together and just enjoyed the evening, it was well needed after this week! I cant believe i actually did it! usually id get halfway through the week and decide i need a night in, but I'm glad i did..I felt better as the week went on, yes we were tired but what a fun week that was...

Its done wonders for how i feel inside and i now realise that things i let upset me, aren't really as important as i made them in my head... I cant change myself or who i am and shouldn't have to...

Today the house has woke up buzzing, Ryan has gone with his dad to collect his new guitar (secondhand i should add but its new to him) hes been saving up all his paper round money and has been practising hard on one that doesnt work (it screams!) he loves making music, as his parents we'll encourage this all the way, musics played a huge part in my life and i don't start the day without it, so here's to many new tunes being played in our house !

Ive got one more day with my fella as Monday hes now off for the week, so i want my pole up today! need another tin of paint and will see how much i can do here to make it look nice..

I'm going to go to salsa to meet up with my friends some evenings so its going to be a busy one my end too!

I sat there this morning outside as usual with my cuppa trying to wake up peacefully and couldn't believe what i saw ~ 21 little finches all piled round the bird table together !!

The floor was moving ! I do enjoy doing my garden (yes im sad) and my neighbour who sells plants just came round today and told me that i can have every plant he has left , theres loads of them, he sells them through spring and summer up until he goes away on his boat, so tomorrows already taken up with Joanne buzzing round like a mad woman with her trowel... lol how on earth am i going to fit all this lot in this week...

I wont have time to be bored hopefully....

Have a great day everyone ~ enjoy that sunshine...

Guns.N.Roses-Sweet Child O'Mine

Lol.. We are pelting this out full blast this morning, waking up the neighbours!
This ones for Ryan !
Whos practising his guitar this morning...
Ive now got a drummer, guitarist and pianist in the house...

Going Home

Ive had such a brilliant night at the Staithe, everyone was in such high spirits tonight, the atmosphere really was unbeatable.


I had some amazing dances with my fella, so doing a few extra classes this week has paid off, his confidence in Cuban style soared, as you feel like you've come home after all the other lessons, its like walking into a place where you feel you belong.................


There was loads of people there tonight which was brilliant as quite a few of our friends there are away on holiday at the moment (lucky buggers!) but the ones that are back all looked amazing and full of life, so its gotta be good hasn't it?

Ive been invited by Annie and Liliana to go see their horses, so next week as my fellas away from Tuesday onwards, i may take up their kind offers and go for a drive (ill probably get lost of course) but hes away for 4 days so as long as i can find my way back before Friday i'll be ok...lol Im really looking forward to seeing them both..
Annie brought a new chap to salsa whos a farrier, so i was in heaven learning all about that side of the horse world, salsa and riding apart from my family of course are the most important things in my life now, more than ever im turning to these things to escape society, i dont seem to be judged there only made to feel welcome.. and occasionally bucked about abit.. but i can cope with that...lol

Ive come home tonight to another bomb site, hammocks everywhere of course, but do you know what, I don't care!, ill get up early and clean up the mess, it was worth it not to have missed tonight! im on such a high !

I got to dance to my favourite track again (Willy of course) i hear that air raid siren and thats it, but this time my fella was really up for putting some attitude into it, and boy cant you feel the difference.... it was brilliant..
Theres some great events coming up starting with Ingham street fair next weekend, we get to dance on the streets again! (and the party afterwards! oh yes mojitos..lol) the Dance Cuban party on the 28th August , leandro will be there! you have to see this guy, seeing is believing in this case, hes world class.. theres so much stuff to do, so for anyone that wants to learn to dance, come along and join the fun....

Im going to sleep one very happy lady tonight and have finished a week off in the best place we know, its like that saying goes, you always save the best til last..

And tonight was definitely worth waiting for...

We are in now for the weekend, so im hanging up the dancing shoes for a couple of days, but to everyone thats doing the weekender in Bournemouth, have a great time guys and enjoy those mojitos....
Its been a brilliant week.......
my feet are killing me, i have blisters everywhere but my spirits flying high...

Back To Back

Its been a good morning, Ive done whats needed been on various errands and finally got to that time of today where i can go run a bath and chill out for a while.. I still ache just about everywhere but determined to keep going this week, my fellas away in Scotland next week for the early part so i may as well get all this good dancing in before he goes, ill stay at home and paint the house onces hes gone as i'll be bored then..lol

Last night was another toughie, i said i was having one of those weeks and last night just confirmed it, yes it was another class full of spins, is someone having a laugh or what, I'm so glad its Cuban tonight, Ive been permanently dizzy since Tuesday doing all this lot..hehe

One of the chaps was there last night who was unfortunate enough to have me as his partner on Tuesday and boy did he giggle when the instructor said we are doing spins tonight ! he had seen first hand how bad i was then so two nights back to back, the guy deserves a medal.. he was so funny though and made the night as by the end of the lesson id managed to blag my way round the poor chaps either hitting or standing on all of them in turn, even the instructor was calling me trouble ~ I left my mark then :)

When we got back in last night i always go to give the kids a kiss, its my little ritual, so imagine walking into this without giggling ~

You guessed it, its Brandon ! hehe they decided to empty my airing cupboard out and make alternative sleeping arrangements, which had me in stitches, my kids are so much like me at times, i remember doing exactly the same thing as a child and tying a piece of string to my mates toe that ran along the length of our gardens, so she would wake up when i pulled it early, the thing i remember most was my mum and her mum flying up the stairs shouting at me, as her toe had gone black overnight ! :) so that's not recommended as a cheaper version to an alarm clock !

10 out of 10 for creativity though, he slept in his hammock all night and it held up !! I laid there waiting for the thump to come all night, giggling.....

Right im leaving the kids in Sandra's capable hands and going to see how much bubble bath it takes to reach the rim..

I can't wait for salsa tonight ! i didn't think i could do 4 nights back to back of all this energetic stuff but today im looking so forward to it and am on a high .........Good job really

As tomorrow i'll probably be in a heap ! hehe

Spinning Around

Oh my word do i hurt this morning, we must be gluten's for punishment...

We met up with our friends Cheryle and Fran last night at Caistor hall to catch up on whats been happening, it was lovely to see all the guys again, there were so many there we knew and used to dance with. But talk about fish out of water, i had to giggle, I couldn't have picked a harder night to go along! I think I'm having one of those testing weeks..hehe

It was Larissa's cross body class and my word was i dizzy by the time i got back into that car...

We don't use spins in Cuban style salsa but occasionally my fella will throw one in as he likes them, but walking into that class last night i was really pushed! Larissa decided it was the night we were all going to learn triple spins !! it was so hard ! started the dance with a triple spin kicking off straight back into a double back ~ 5 spins in a row isn't nice ! i managed it for about 6 guys (you move round every few Min's) but by the time i got to Ken i was feeling pretty queazy so went and got myself a drink (just so i could grab a breather)..lol

I did giggle to Cheryl on the phone and said id be fine as long as it wasn't a routine full of spins! My old cross body instructor was even there ! we did both classes and learnt cha cha cha which i loved but I'm definitely Cubanized, Larissa said id did really well and helped me with my arm work (apparently I'm working twice as hard as i need to be) with the spins but by the end of the night i was getting it...

Tonight we are going to Indulge as i need to pick up our salsa boat tickets from Nad.

Ive already been warned this is the class where all the good ones go ! hehe What the hell, we wanted to push ourselves and get moving again after 3 weeks out, so will go along and enjoy the night, by the time we get to Richard and Sharon's cuban class tomorrow we should be rearing to go....

I do enjoy cross body style as i like the spins but it seems really strange going backwards and forwards only, i kept wanting to walk round the guys last night and stick my hand on every ones shoulders....hehe

Will let you all know how tonight goes, its got a real big following as its like a club scene so will be interesting to see, i may just take that camera along for the ride.....

Kick Girl Kick

Yesterday's riding lessons were a total failure, I did my jumping lesson with Jean as usual we were in the outside arena as the sun was in full bloom and lovely, but could i get it right! No is the answer.

I was so annoyed at myself, the jumping and taking the jumps is fine, we are up to 5 jumps but i couldnt get my legs right all the other time..lol

There is such a thing as trying to hard, Wendy said i was doing fine, but you know in yourself when things just wont go so right..

Everytime i tried to get the horses into canter were my legs stiffening up, i can feel them doing it but cant seem to work out how to stop it, its happened before when i first went to red hall, but i felt that part was getting better ~ until yesterday.. one step forward 3 back..lol

I came home dripping with sweat stood in a cold shower for over an hour and went back for my evening lesson with the group, theres a new guy in class whos irish and really excellent at riding, he was telling me he usually does cross country and has been riding a long time and this is the same all round with the ones i seem to be with, so im always the novice girl in the group and the one who messes it all up, i think i was even worse than usual as he was trying to help me..

In the afternoons jumping class i rode Solomen and Jazz, Wendy swaps us about every 15 mins so she can see the reactions of the horses to our riding, mine was easy to see, slow and go slow, last time we were cantering over them all this week i can even get a canter..

I was hoping last night would restore my faith in myself so went back with what i hoped was a less defeative attitude, but i got a bugger of a horse who spent the night trying to buck me over his head..

Its amusing to think of today as he was being really naughty and Kevin said hes known to do it, but apparently i got him on one of his worst days where everytime we went past Kevin the bloody thing bolted and bucked away showing his dislike, acting just like a spoilt brat whilst spitting his dummy out! he really wouldn't play ball.

I managed to stay in the saddle so im proud of that part but came home nearly in tears as i really was trying so hard ,yet everything i did lead to the horse sticking his head down and his arse up in the air as far as he could get.... hehe

Walking him back to the fields i was giving him a real good talking to, I refused to give the horse a mint for the first time and hope i dont get him again! but knowing Kevin and his sense of humour, ill be lined up on him again next week ! Bring back Jack eh... even hes good compaired to Shamus last night...

I hurt in places today i didnt know i had muscles, and am lined up for 3 back to back nights of salsa starting tonight so hopefully that will go better than yesterdays performances at the stables... The ironic part is i wish i could go back today and try again, i know where i went wrong and will have to wait til next week now to see if i can get it right. its just the same as this people thing i struggle with..

Im not just bloody soft with people, its horses now too........

Give me a deserted island and my fella anyday...

At least i dont need a whip to get him to ride................hehe

Patrick Swayze and his wife Dance

I cant believe ive never seen this..
what a partnership.. totally beautiful.....

Blonde with a Paintbrush !

Its Sunday and for some strange reason my house is all up and running far more earlier than usual.... I cant work it out..

I still managed to grab my cuppa and head outside, i cant wake up and face the onslaught of 'mum wheres my' before ive had at least 3 cups of tea..

I did eventually get out the paintbrushes yesterday and made a start on painting the hall, Starting with the front door that my dog decided to go and lay against as soon as i painted it... its typical of this place, nothing ever is normal here, I now have a lilac & black dog and black & lilac front door...hehe And people say my place is a chill out place? what are they thinking.. its a looney bin..

My fellas taking me out this morning to buy me a tin of paint, now ive started this bugger ill no doubt work my way through the house so if i get it in today and hes not here all week i can just get on, its already looking brighter so im glad i started it..

Last night my fella cooked one of his famous lamb casseroles (he hasnt done that in ages) so tonights meal is already done! its that good we make a huge pot full, so today i can get stuck in and enjoy being creative without having to do the mundane stuff..

I rang Cheryl last night to catch up on whats been happening in the salsa world and with our friends, and have made arrangements to meet up Tuesday and Wednesday so with riding tomorrow and cuban salsa Thursday its going to be a busy week..

Its the Salsa Boat coming up soon and the cuban party at the Staithe so we need to get some practise in..I can't wait !

Right time to B & Q it and go get that paint.... before he changes his mind and dissapears into the WWW.. he seems to be in another world once that laptops out, so at least i can paint mine while hes out ! lol

Good Reads.. Got to do this!

I came across this girls blog today, ive been engrossed in here for hours (and i mean hours)..

She started off working in a travel agents and decided to just pack in her job and grab a backpack.

God how many nights ive dreamed about doing that, when my kids finish high school me and my fella are going to do exactly the same thing, id love the kids to come too and see that big old world out there.

Like this girl im not into posh hotels and material things, id be happy up to my neck in mud with a tent and backpack, one day its going to be us doing this !!

Shes on her way to Antartica and writes so well, the pictures are amazing and its exactly how i would expect it to be.. no frills no fuss just living life day to day waking up in the next place and enjoying the ride..

Its really cheered me up today, i wonder sometimes why we work like we do...

Shes just given me my wake up call..

This is why i'll keep going, til i get there...

Well worth a read, grab a cuppa and enjoy.

http://www.madnessandbeauty.com/