All in a Day...

The last few days...

2012-01-15T03:34:00.000Z

...I've been listening to the tractors trundle up and along the lanes here...doing the tidying and clearing at this time of year. Several large trees have been cut down and are now waiting to be next years firewood, or to have a more exotic end. The ditch has been dredged (at last), and hedges trimmed. Of course, this leaves the rest of us with mud over the road, tip toeing through the debris which never seems to be cleared. It's been an energetic time for the quiet of January.

In the home we're getting closer to putting paint on walls. Two years ago..some might remember, we moved a kitchen, leaving us with an old kitchen space. Since then we haven't really dealt with it, but now we have pulled down a wall, filled an old doorway, laid a wooden floor, put panelling on one wall and built two cupboards for coats and such...tomorrow we put panelling on the other wall, which only leaves me to fill holes, paper and then paint...and make blinds...

Of course, then we move onto the next room...

2012...

2012-01-01T20:52:00.001Z

...how can that be? It was only days ago I was playing with the dolls house my Dad made for me...(I still have it), and only hours ago I was married and then had two wonderful sons...(I still have all those too), and then minutes ago weren't we worrying about how the millenium was going to crash into our lives...and now we look forward to this year with momentous happenings, a wedding...an olympics...and a jubilee. The wedding is a family affair, the Olympic flame is going through a near village, and the Queen lives down the road. Suddenly here is the centre of the universe and it's now...and 2012....

So happy new year...I wish you love and happiness...

...and now...

2011-12-17T08:42:00.000Z

...officially vacated.

I'm out on my own again and looking forward to being Wayward Rose again. :)

The website will be revamped over the next month with a wider range of items, as will my Wayward Rose Etsy shop, which I've had closed for quite sometime. Though beads are still available through Eithne Glass, just in case you wondered!

I've some requests to teach some what and how computers work...from pushing the on button, to what Etsy is...and bead orders...plus other bits and pieces, so life isn't boring.

And whilst I've been away my team has quietly been getting on with their life and revamp too...and I'm loathe to go to see them...they lose when I do, but I listen to all the games (this afternoon excepting), and watch when on telly...so, "Valley Floyd Road the mists rolling...."

Gee...it's good to be back...

Life's been...

2011-07-25T15:29:00.001+01:00

...hectic just recently and I know I've neglected everyone.

Quite awhile ago it was suggested I have some input into a shop at Creake Abbey...and this has been going on quietly for a few months. It was done quietly for several reasons, firstly I had to see if it worked for me, also some conversations with the overall owner...their plans, etc. Well, I'm now officially there. Our signs have to be repainted, but we're now Love and the Rose and are stocking both our items, plus gorgeous prints and cards from Amanda Colville of Mangle Prints

and Ella Goodwin of Ella Goodwin Illustration

From Vicki Johnson of Stew Studios in Norwich Red Red Blue we have beautiful lights, scarves and tea towels.

and these lovely little shades from Michelle Bayford.

Other items are there for your perusal...and here's a taste of the whole...

So now you know where I vanished to...

Phew!

2011-07-10T13:40:00.000+01:00

...I have my oxy-con back to working. A week ago my oxygen machine, which gives me the oxygen to mix with gas to light my torch...to make the beads, broke! Well, it stopped giving me air. I had electric, but no pressure...so after a little panic, I contacted Martin...my hero, and told him my problem. By return he suggested the problem and did I need the hose? Yes...thank you...this arrived so quickly, it was almost here before I could draw breath. This morning we followed Martin's instructions and replaced the hose...and lo, it works...beautifully!!

So be prepared...there will be new beads forming...

Martin...is Martin Tuffnell of Tuffnell Glass in Yorkshire.

It all...

2011-07-10T13:15:00.000+01:00

...starts here.

With thirteen new faces showing up over the last few weeks, it's certainly been a busy pen at my club. Some old faces have gone and good luck to them with their new teams. The latest I've seen notes of is Llera who's reportedly training with Blackpool in Portugal. Of course we'll see some back at the Valley during the season, as they play for opposition.

So...the usual opening game against Welling was yesterday, and reading reports overall it was satisfactory...sticky to start with some good Welling chances, but we survived those and in the second half(with a different eleven) we scored three. Nice to see new boys get on the score sheet and a triallist too. I would think a useful lesson. Next off to sunnier climes as we go to Spain and face two championship sides; these will give a good indicator to how our close season training has gone, and if we're gelling. Looking at the opposition in League One this year...we're going to need every ounce of gelling we can get! But, I think we've got the wherewithall to do something special...

Wow! That was scary...that fence can be awfully high to perch on! Also..gel can get awfully sticky!!

Don't you...

2011-07-09T08:07:00.000+01:00

...just love it when things go wrong!

When I sold my mini for the wee beastie seen below...I thought it was my mini, registered in my name. So when we were sent a cheque and it arrived in another name, it made me smile... And when a couple of days later we received paperwork saying a transfer had been made, I wondered. Could they have the cheque back...please. Then a few days later the cheque arrived back...with a note, ummm the transfer wasn't actually done, so would we accept the cheque...again in the other name. Right, okay...so the left hand doesn't know what the right's doing, and they can't read.

Move on a couple of weeks and the new registration document arrives...and that's in the wrong name too! Now, I'm wondering...am I invisible? Am I an appendage? Did I say something? It was made perfectly clear the document and cheque were mine...as the mini was and the new one is....mine! I wonder who'll get the blame...the two men who dealt with the sale or the girl who works in the office from the documentation she's given! I have my theory...

Well, if you're near Rudham in Norfolk today, it's their festival...so come buy some WI cakes...we do make exceedingly good cakes!

Farmer's Market...

2011-07-02T07:23:00.000+01:00

...today! Always a busy and exhausting day, but so much fun. Lots of people and goodies...and the holiday season is beginning to swing into existence...if I could find my camera I'd take photos, but there's always the phone. (Amanda...I'll take some). Had good feedback on the new items, with some disappearing already. I'll report later...gotta go!

Been a...

2011-06-24T22:45:00.000+01:00

...bit busy around here!

Last weekend off we went and stayed a few days in Thaxted...cat sitting. I had decided to get a new phone, which I accomplished and came away with an Omnia 7. Oh! I just love playing with it, and it's cheaper to use than my old one, plus the phone itself was free...something I always love.

We also kind of came away with something else....this...

Cute isn't it!? But I had to wave goodbye to my little red lady on Thursday when they came to Norfolk to do the switch...

It's gone...

2011-06-17T09:09:00.000+01:00

...9am and the next season fixture list is out. Of course most eyes are on the Premier League, but those fans who have loves elsewhere have to look deeper.

My teams first match is at home against Bournemouth, followed by two away matches against Notts County and Colchester...then a visit from Scunthorpe. The full list is here Charlton 2011/2012 fixtures.

We meet the two Sheffields within a month, the new boys Stevenage is in October, and Preston in November. I could go on, but the whole season is sprinkled with those all will think tougher...but then when you're fighting to get out this league, this season all matches will be tough. We just need to support our team, wholeheartedly without reserve...so no negative vibes now!

A mixed...

2011-06-13T19:00:00.000+01:00

...bag.

I've been making some more brooches with the beautiful handmade buttons I received, and this is the first of them...or rather this is the one I got the photo of as the weather got dark and I didn't get the rest finished....so....

I will be looking for more and different buttons soon...

Also, when I left my old garden some were concerned (or mentioned) I might have a trouble with leaving all the pretty things, especially as I couldn't bring anything with me; my old garden was riddled with ground elder. So I thought I'd show you a view of the side of the house, beside the cart shed....

I can live with that! Now all I need to do is find out which it is! I have four or five climbing roses, of which, I have no idea of name...any ideas gratefully listened to.

A second...

2011-05-31T17:22:00.000+01:00

...goalkeeper comes through the gates at the Valley, though he has been through them before. John Sullivan a loan player from Millwall has signed on a free transfer.

At 23 he is set to fight for the number one shirt with Robbie Elliot. A Seagulls fan let's hope he helps us emulate their achievement of the last season.

...and what happened yesterday? I think most people didn't think we'd win after a soggy first test against Sri Lanka, but what a two hours! And a win by an innings and whatever runs was achieved.

I also managed three out of three for the play-offs...no money passed hands, but the winners were as predicted! During yesterdays game they kept referring back to our match against Sunderland, and how special it was...I'll agree to that!

A walk...

2011-05-30T08:49:00.001+01:00

...in the sunshine.

Living in Norfolk we have some beautiful beaches to walk. You can visit the wide spaces of Holkham, where Stephen Fry stood for the credits of Kingdom, and where Kiera Knightly and Gwenyth Paltrow also have. You can go to our Jurassic beaches below cliffs, yes, Norfolk has cliffs! At Sheringham and Runton to the east, and Hunstanton in the west, you can look for your fossils too. You can twitch with the best as bird watchers abound over the salt marshes and reserves. But, the other day I decided to visit another place.

When you say Burnham most people think of Burnham Market, a large village which has grown a reputation for holiday homes and select shopping, and was originally three villages. But, Burnham Market isn't the only Burnham and is in fact only one of several Burnham villages. Burnham Deepdale, Burnham Norton, Burnham Overy Town, Burnham Thorpe(Nelson's birthplace) and Burnham Overy Staithe. Staithe is Old English for "landing place", and this is where I went for my walk.

Parking free on the quay is a blessing, just along from the local "The Hero". The Norfolk Coastal Path runs along the dunes you can see in the distance. A path has been raised through the salt marshes and you can pick sea spinach along the way. You nod and chat to other walkers, all friendly, but if you time it right you won't meet many if you don't want to.

Looking back

The creeks

On the way

The beach

Homeward bound...

And I...

2011-05-29T22:19:00.001+01:00

...forgot to show you this...

A fun light pull called "North Norfolk", as it looks like the sand, sea and sky of our beautiful coastline...

I promised...

2011-05-28T18:45:00.002+01:00

...a view of those buttons, now didn't I.

...and my new jewellery sticker...WRJ.

The red heart is now sold.

And...

2011-05-26T06:47:00.000+01:00

...more!

Well, that pen's getting some early use at the Valley, as the signings keep on coming.

Charlton yesterday agreed terms for a new 'keeper, Nick Pope from Bury Town (St Edmunds) with a two year contract. A nineteen year old former Ipswich academy student. He signs next month.

On the making front...I made a light pull yesterday. Designed with ivory and misty blue glass, it looks like the sand dunes and beach with the sea, with several beads topping it, all threaded on a blue leather cord. I've left it at the shop, but I will take a picture of it (if it's still there) next time I visit.

An early...

2011-05-25T08:02:00.002+01:00

...start to the summer signings.

The ball is hardly stored away until next season and we have signed our first new faces of the summer. Danny Hollands has been signed on a three year deal. A midfielder who left Bournemouth on Monday, signed for us on Tuesday...would that some others could find work that quickly. A defensive midfielder who scores. It is reported as "this is the first of many new signings". It was quickly followed by the signing of another midfielder, another Bradley...Bradley Pritchard signed on a years contract with an option for a further year.

Danny Hollands

Bradley Pritchard

It gives a warm feeling having signings this early, we're so used to having to wait...you can feel the hope rising already.

Kelly Youga...a player I've always liked, has been given the opportunity to prove his fitness in pre-season. After the devastating injury he received in October 2009, he has been given this opportunity...and if he can get back his "game", then we have a player back we've been sorely missing. I, for one, wish him well.

Kelly Youga

We were told they'd be changes this summer, but I don't think anyone thought it would be this early....you just hope it is!

Pierrot...

2011-05-23T20:45:00.001+01:00

and Look and Hearts....

These buttons are sublime...

Don't you just love them!! Watch out for them coming your way soon! All made into something different.

And the...

2011-05-22T08:04:00.000+01:00

...dream goes on.

Heartbreak for those Luton fans who have seen, what some might say, was more than a discrepancy in the punishments metered out this season, but...the original Wimbledon...the team...AFC Wimbledon, formed after the others decamped to MK and who are, according to their own owner, nothing to do with the originals, won. So, the club who was formed in 2002 will be playing league football next season after winning the play-off final on penalties.

I wish them well...

Also, while we are talking about what the majority of us watch...non-Premier League or Championship football....my eldest grandson won Clubman of the Year, for his age group...voted by the managers of the club. So looking for a left wing...

Brooches...

2011-05-17T16:30:00.000+01:00

...as promised here are some photos.

They're leather, silk and vintage or handmade buttons of varous designs. They're backed with a pin clasp, and are all handsewn.

I'm rather pleased with them.

Feet touching...

2011-05-16T23:51:00.000+01:00

...floor at last!

Well, that was some month that was! I can't even remember everything that went on, but at last I think I'm back to a relatively normal week.

I didn't mention the...person who managed to bounce his car off mine a couple of weeks ago. Came round a blind bend at me and after I'd pulled off the road and stopped he hit my wing, scored the door and smashed the mirror. It is being mended.

Appeared at my first craft fair for ages yesterday, and though it wasn't the best for me, I did get to meet some lovely people and had some encouraging comments. There were some gorgeous items for sale too...I could have spent too much!!

I also must tell you of my sister...she completed the London Moonwalk...and we're very proud of her! She's a wonder!!

Back on the making theme, I have been making some brooches...they will be for sale on Etsy this week, and photos will be here soon. Stitching leather isn't fun...or at least that's what my thumb is telling me.

Dribbling...

2011-03-30T15:04:00.000+01:00

...or rather not, that's what the joys of the fan with internet access has given us.

So, rather than sitting in the local staring at the pint and dribbling incoherently into it at the lack of form...we can all type thoughts onto these screens which sit before us.

We...or some can...rue the decision of owners...managers...the seeming lack of ability or response of players...the baiting and jeering of a portion of fans. One thing is obvious, more points would be wonderful...we would be delirious if we were in Brighton's situation, but we're not. We are where we are...

It's no good wishing or berating those who have put us here. If you do that why not go back to the bad decision against Fulham from which they scored, and which deprived us of the points needed to remain in the Premiership...or the ferocious foul from Arsenal in the same season...a red card possibly, but that player went on to score against us in the game...or maybe Curbs decision to leave us. Or maybe the then boards decision to employ particular managers who couldn't put a team together. As said, we are where we are.

It is talked about the number of players we have out of contract in the Summer, and maybe this is a factor in our form...players don't know where they stand. Well, if they don't fulfill their contracts now...what terms in any contract do they expect?! The Summer will be interesting...

Do I expect Slater and Jimenez to stay with Chris Powell...yes. Do I want them to...yes! Do I think players don't want to win...no. But then I've been around longer than the internet... before the heady days of council elections...when fans were expected to turn up and just watch...support their team through thick and thin, because your blood flowed with the colour and badge of your team...your heart had it emblazoned on it...cut me and I bleed for my team and I'm damned sure CP's does too!

Monday...

2011-03-23T08:26:00.000Z

...was my sister's birthday(I won't say which), and though she had to work, she had a good day...and out to dinner in the evening.

Happy birthday, li'l sis!

She's also taking part in this years London Moon Walk, the full version, not the half one. This is the night of the 14th May. We're very proud of her, and think she's a wonder!

Closer to home I've joined ActiveNorfolk...which is a group promoting fitness in the county. I'm starting slowly...my first walk was along the river and railway routes in Fakenham....it's not an amble(though they do those too), they pace it out...and walks are countywide. There are also opportunities to some other sports too. You do what you want, when you can, but it's good to have company, and an incentive to go.

Saturday is Fakenham Farmer's Market so, if you're in the area, pop along. It's a good mix of food and crafts. If you want to find it, it's in the Market Square...and Fakenham has free parking!! Just pick the right car parks.

Saturday is also a busy day if you support England....you can follow the cricket against Sri Lanka in the morning and then the football team later. My team play Bournemouth on the south coast in the afternoon...after last night's draw against one of the form teams, we find ourselves facing another. Let's hope we can go one better, though I'm sure there will be a lot of negative words written and spoken about it all, before we even kick a ball.

Anyway, I best make some beads...talk soon!

Another little...

2011-03-18T18:38:00.002Z

...flame came into my life a couple weeks ago, and this one doesn't hurt when you touch it.

It's the most glorious art yarn...soft...fluffy...and oh such a wonderful colour!

How could I resist it! I have two skeins, and if I had more I'd make something to wear with it, but I'm knitting furiously to make a cushion panel. Simple, but who needs fancy with yarn as wonderful as this!

My supply came from a lovely lady in Colorado, who I had already received some silk from. Have a look at the beautifully named.... Larkspur Funny Farm

Just a...

2011-03-16T22:16:00.000Z

...glimpse of things going on....

and then....

My cuffs can now be found at North Creake barns...the lovely Jane Penny Richings of Love-Cushions has some of my jewellery alongside her beautiful textile work....you can find her here Love Cushions

Some new colours...

2011-03-01T10:01:00.000Z

...some older colours, and a couple of treasurys. That's been about the limit of my online attendance for the last few days...so I share...

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d6cbdd33c8a6d913ab18846/sing-a-rainbow

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d659de90dd76d91cb3f12df/fine-delicate-lace?index=1

As different to each other as they can be!

Have fun...

The new...

2011-02-17T18:36:00.001Z

...colours flew out the door, so I've made a few more and here...new colours of spacers.

There are a couple more, but they're still waiting to be cleaned...

Sometimes...

2011-02-15T15:43:00.000Z

...you just have a surprise or two.

Having ordered some new colours in the glass rods I use for my lampworking, they arrived as I knew they would within two days, and now I have some new colours cooling in the kiln. Anticipation is rife...

But over the weekend we ordered some bits for our renovations from companies we didn't know... Ordering late Saturday afternoon and being given a three to five working day delivery timescale, both parcels arrived separately today. So now we will be able to get some of the years of gunk off our beams...non caustic SPAB recommended, and repair a leaded window which had one of those horrendous round plastic fans put into it, damaging both lead and glass. We've also found our new floor from a local timber yard, but not ordered yet!

A big thank you to both companies, for their exceptionally fast delivery, and for giving this customer a smile.

http://www.stripperspaintremovers.com/

http://www.tempsfordstainedglass.co.uk/

Having a...

2011-02-07T20:37:00.001Z

...trial day today and these are the result.

My beads, some silk, silver and threads...bracelet, cuffs...what you will, but vibrant, certainly.

If you...

2011-02-06T20:05:00.002Z

....remember a year ago, we started to dismantle two rooms to make them into our new kitchen, and demolished walls, new floors and electric later...here are some views of our kitchen.

We made our own peg board and shelving. The day hearts were a Christmas present from my sister, the round wire thingy is my toaster, the patchwork spice square is from a visit to Cape Cod...I'm very proud of the worktop I made from a couple of our spare slate floor tiles, and the tiling behind my cooker...all my own work!

This little wall unit we brought from our old house...it had been relegated to the shed there! The large earthenware jug I made several years ago.

This is my crockery cupboard...it hides a multitude of dishes too. An old victorian oak cupboard gathered in a shop in Dereham. The huge mixing bowl was snapped up from a friend who was throwing it away.

Now this was my last years birthday present. A few days spent in Derbyshire and this is what came home with us. We think it must be a sweet shop scales as it only goes to 2lb. The orchid was a new home present sixteen months ago. It was in flower then and they lasted for six months, it has been flowering again for about six weeks.

This is an old blanket box that belonged to my parents. It was a bit battered, but with the addition of little bun feet and a new cover, we have a new seat and I have a new needlework box!

And Goosey...one of Gretel's handmade beauties watching over us. The clay pipe, we dug out of the garden, and we think is an old design of about the 1700's.

There...part of our kitchen, as promised.

Always...

2011-02-05T17:25:00.000Z

...welcome on the first Saturday of the month is a visit to North Creake Farmer's Market.

You can gather enough food to keep you happy, from veg to beautifully made fresh ready meals. Spices, sauces, chutneys...to jams, cakes and beautifully fragrant macarons. You can visit the Caribbean, Thailand, India and Norfolk. Award winning pies, cheese...an award winning chef. Plants...sheepskins, beef, pork, chickens, lamb...and the most beautiful soups.

On the way back home a swerve to Great Walsingham to visit The Walsingham Barns, where you can visit a new shop... Gary Haigh-Smith has moved from Creake to this beautiful complex, with his own beautiful art giving visions of the skies and sea of the north coast, and the colours of wild flora, as a highlight, he has a mix of jewellery, vintage items, and garden statuary for sale. Opening soon is the promised renewed cafe...I understand Sunday lunch will also be offered and if the owner's pies are anything to go by...it'll be well worth the visit. Amongst the other barns is another artist whose work is of large bright views of flowers, she shares with the gift shop and interior design textile shop. Oriental rugs are in another section of barn. So, if you're visiting Norfolk...the Walsingham Shrine, Wells, etc, then do give this a visit too.

My newest...

2011-02-04T17:36:00.000Z

...venture.

Pistacchio with Cobalt Blue

Purple

Both can be found in my Etsy shop - Eithne Glass.

Thank you for looking.

A few more...

2011-02-02T09:42:00.000Z

...beads listed...

amongst others. I'm also waiting on a parcel from the US...I have something else in the works.

And my team won last night. After a rather indifferent first half, the second swept into controversy with a Colchester disallowed goal. The referee having blown his whistle before the ball hit the net, so making the ball dead. I also hope the Colchester fan taken away on a stretcher is okay. A new signing scored too...Bradley Wright-Phillips scored our winning and only goal of the evening, helping us move one place up to seventh staying in touch with those above us.

Personally I thought both our newest signings had a good match, and I felt sorry for Nathan in that final run. You could see either a goal or a penalty being the only outcome.

Results tonight....

2011-01-25T22:00:00.000Z

...have been kind to us. With the only team winning being Brighton and that over our next week opponents Colchester.

A lot of those games in hand have now been played, with Carlisle being the only club having played less, and we find ourselves one place worse off than at the weekend. Oldham jumped us, but have now played one game more.

I think we can have a small wave of optimism wash over us. Days like today are good... Our Saturday game is huge. It's against Rochdale, who are just two points behind us, with a similar goal difference.

How strangely...

2011-01-25T20:08:00.001Z

...my interim banner has suddenly become clear, without me doing a thing!

At the weekend we finished taking all the old, smelly units out of the old kitchen, discovered a wall which hadn't been plastered, and had just cement on it, which isn't good for something that's four hundred years old. Decisions need to be made about that now. We also started to take another of our newer stud walls down, which will open up the old kitchen to the door at the bottom of the stairs, then close up a second door and give us a longer wall for our bookshelves. We also need to find someone who can repair our diamond leaded light window. One of those plastic window fans needs to come out and the hole made good...so if you know one...we contacted one specialist, but they wanted to make a whole new panel. I feel a call to SPAB coming on!

And...my team has made their first permanent signing of this transfer window. BWP (Bradley Wright-Phillips) has moved east from west. Being a Lewisham lad he's not far from home!

Hmmmm....

2011-01-22T17:46:00.001Z

...wanting a slightly warmer feel and going pink! It's still a work in progress as my banner won't stay sharp, sorry for the fuzziness!

I also need to download some new brushes and fonts! If M7 will let me...

PS...my team won!! Woohoo for Sir Chris!! And after today he's handed the mantle to Robbie (fans will understand!)

A little...

2011-01-22T15:31:00.001Z

...excursion into Swaffham yesterday found me visiting the Assembly Rooms craft market which is there each Friday.

It's a mix of bits, some secondhand items, some new...a couple of jam makers, knitters and such, but there was a gem. Tucked away at the end of the run of tables was a lady who makes the most beautiful felt items.

You can find her Etsy shop here...She Felt Fanciful. Do visit, you won't be disappointed.

Gradually...

2011-01-18T21:12:00.000Z

...getting there!

At last I've had time to get some beads listed...

...amongst other colours, and sets...(see shop link on the right side of this blog)

Also to choose a Hot Chocolate Treasury...

Hot Chocolate...to keep you warm this winter!

And now...

2011-01-14T21:21:00.003Z

...we have a new manager, and one who knows us, has the strength of character to deal with issues, and I wish him all.

Brilliant..."Sir" Chris Powell...Charlton manager! It just sounds and feels so right...

Also, PP was the ex-Colchester expert at their game against Bournemouth tonight...and was, as one would expect, very dignified about last weeks and todays events. Colchester won.

And for all non-footballing matters, normal service will return tomorrow!

I am sitting...

2011-01-14T08:12:00.001Z

...here waiting for the next T20 international to start, watching the sports news in the meantime, and as always Sky give a review of the newspapers...and this report came along.

"Sir" Chris Powell met with Charlton owners and they were so impressed with his enthusiasm, qualities and vision for the club they offered him the job on the spot. Also reported, was the fact he turned down an offer from Newcastle six days ago, to go north as Pardew's number two. Resigned from Leicester, with Sven telling Chris that if it doesn't work at Charlton, his job at Leicester will be there.

Some say it's idiocy to give him the job, but he's loved and respected by the fans, he knows the club, he has authority within the sport as he was the players representative, he has his coaching badges, he is no mug...and I'm pretty sure he'll not suffer any fools or slackness, and will work the players giving them the backbone they've been lacking recently. If, this does come to pass as expected, I'm for it. We need to remember, we are a League One team with expectations, we need some serious rebuilding, and now we have a bit of money this is the ideal opportunity for all to be renewed and refreshed. I liked PP, but for whatever reason things seemed to drift, this I feel will be different...but, like I've said before, what do I know, I'm just a fan!

Now...cricket!

Now that's...

2011-01-13T23:29:00.001Z

...better!

I found myself a little card reader and can now upload/download my photos. So...be prepared...I am finding my way around the new vision.

I made this heart for my daughter in law's birthday next week. The "hanging" ribbon comes from their wedding cake, and I made a little sachet of Provence lavender for it's centre. I am quite pleased with it.

I speak to my Mum every day, usually at least twice a day, and today she passed a website on. It was noted in her local paper. She professes not to be a football supporter, though always phones after the matches of my team and hers...she used to support West Ham speedway team and her parents were West Ham supporters and went to the 1923 FA cup final...so, she's a WH fan. But, this link is for a Charlton legend, and as we're in a week of posts regarding other Charlton legends...here's one that no one can deny.

Bartram, The Blitz and Beyond

You might have seen it already...but, a little history in this sea of futures.

All change...

2011-01-08T17:57:00.000Z

....and not just with the management.

Having taken new photos of beads, my nice shiney new laptop tells me it's not compatible with my nice old camera, or at least the latest offering from microsoft isn't! Both pieces of hardware are the same manufacturer, but that little piece of software gets between them! So, now I have to find a way of circumventing it, or still go to the dear desktop to download them.

I know we're in the throes of looking for a new manager, but I feel for Roy Hodgson tonight...never really given a chance at the red side of Liverpool, he now joins the list of unemployed football managers. Six months and so many days in charge with the spectre of Kenny hanging over him...literally, he now finds himself ousted in favour of said Kenny...

And a sadder and more important note...I lost my last uncle yesterday.

Ah well...

2011-01-04T17:35:00.000Z

...and another loss with a what do I know!

My clubs new regime will now include a new management team, with Phil and the band getting the early dismissal. I guess the lacklustre loss last night was the final straw, and having a change in formation practise just three hours prior to the match doesn't engender too much faith. Bookies favourite...Dennis...one has already closed his book on him. But, having placed Keith in the hot seat for the interim, I don't expect anything to happen in the next couple of days...but, what do I know! I'm only a fan!

Anyway, today brings us back to normality...beads made and sent out, house without decorations, and talk of the next house project...sitting here, I'm voting for new heating! Just which...ecolocially ethical, oil...or something else. (We don't have mains gas near)...just give me an extra log for now!

To everyone...

2010-12-31T23:03:00.001Z

...best wishes for a happy new year, and for the following weeks and months. May they bring all you hope and wish for.

And as the year passes from one to another, my team now has new owners...giving us a little stability. We know we haven't got as deep pockets as some, we never will, but hopefully fans will welcome the new chapter in our history, and will give enough time to the new regime. We keep our management team, and rumours linking a certain Dennis with us appear false...and talks will be held over the next few days about a responsible pot for maybe a choice transfer or two.

We have also finished our kitchen(except for the french doors)...and I love it. (pictures to follow)

I now just need to work out how to switch the touchpad off this machine, as I keep deleting or moving things by touching it!! I use a mini mouse.

So...again, may pretty and handsome things come your way...thank you for being there.

Love Su xx

And then there was...

2010-12-17T00:05:00.000Z

...a new shiny laptop!

Just getting everything set up and saved....

I hope everyone has a good weekend and not too much snow!

TTFN...

Do I do...

2010-11-13T22:51:00.000Z

...a little wave, just to prove I'm still here!

I know, months have passed and no words...but I'm closer to my new laptop now...so please keep checking...

The bank holiday...

2010-08-25T17:31:00.000+01:00

...is on the horizon. Not many plans, except to visit the local Farmers Market, then to Walsingham to the farm shop and barns...and maybe a walk along the coast path. The male of the household treated himself to a camera, and he's just been waiting for an opportunity to take proper photos and not just point and snap at anything which moves!

I remain with my trusty photo taker...evidence below...some new beads...

Awhile...a time...

2010-08-18T11:23:00.000+01:00

...a broken laptop...

I mentioned my laptop is feeling exceedingly sorry for itself, and I'm using the PC, which means I'm tucked away, and I don't like that...which is my excuse for doing what I have to and then disappearing back to the touchable world again.

Anyway, in my touchable world I've been making my little spacers, interpersed with experiments of other things...and decorating or titivating. I did find out about previous owners of our house and why they renamed it...we know Norfolk's reputedly flat, but it does have hills and we nestle in a little hollow, and have not much height...we're a low cottage, and from across the fields it looks like a little boat sailing in the waves...and that's how it got it's name change.

Also spacers...here's some I made earlier!!

....just a small selection, but it proves I have been busy!

Football...Foxes and...

2010-07-27T18:02:00.002+01:00

...Flowers...

The first is dealt with easily, my team have just had a management buyout. Well, it's called that with Richard Murray a long time supporter, board member and chairman, taking outright control of the club.

"This has been a critical time for the club. Our future was uncertain, and financially this was potentially one of our darkest hours.

"However, agreement has been reached with my fellow directors for me to take sole control of the club through what is effectively a management buyout (MBO) of the plc subsidiaries. The new money I am injecting into the club will ensure we go into the new season with a competitive team.

"I shall be appointing a new interim board of directors, and we will now go forward and actively seek new investment.

http://www.cafc.co.uk/newsview.ink?nid=36314

With that...I'm happy...

Now, foxes! My absence (yet again) has been due to visiting my Mum's and trying to get some order into her garden. Not a huge garden, just a normal suburban one, but one which has had foxes make their home at the end of it, due to the over grown shrubs let run rampant by a "professional" gardening neighbour who didn't like interference, Mum didn't want to upset, and who recently retired from helping. Now the shrubs are trimmed back...the debris of the foxes home has been cleared, and hopefully we can keep this now tidy. By all accounts the foxes did come to check, sat and looked awhile, and then trotted off somewhere else. Now all I have to do is weed, dig...prune and trim the rest of the garden!

...and flowers. That'd be in my garden. Over the last few months I've been collecting an array of herbaceous plants, roses and small shrubs, trimming back overgrown shrubs in my own garden and yesterday I, at last, got to plant some. We'd decided to make a new bed across the garden to break up a sharp slope, this we started to dig. Then we found some photos of the house and garden fourteen years ago, (behind the old kitchen cabinets we've dismantled)...and lo and behold there was the garden bed full of plants just where we were digging ours! Stranger still were some other photos showing the front of the house, with a garden just where we had decided to put another one!

Oh, and my laptop has decided that it's had enough. Not completely dead, but on the verge of dying...it's power cable is broken and it's virtual memory...it's been telling me for the last two to three years it keeps having to find more! So I guess that's what I'll be saving for...

Damp...

2010-07-13T22:56:00.002+01:00

...at last!

After such scorching weather the rain fell softly yesterday.

Wimbledon is over...the World Cup is over...and Spain is celebrating. Of course, we did have winners at Wimbledon with two young men winning the Boys Double title, and we did have representation on the World Cup final pitch with Howard Webb refereeing. Blame and accusation have started...as has the pre-season friendlies. My team lost on Saturday to AFC Wimbledon, and won tonight at Welling United, but these are exercises...no clue to the performances to come with so many changes and substitutions throughout the matches...but tonight saw the return of Jon Fortune (yay), maybe only for this...but I'd bite your hand off to get him back, and then there's the forthcoming talk with Christian Dailly...mix those staying with new signings and youngsters, that defence could be stronger than last year.

I've been looking to go to Kettering, but ticket information seems a little scarce...

I nearly went to Lynn tonight to watch the match between the newly reformed King's Lynn club and a Norwich City XI...I wish I had now...Lynn won 2 - 0. Norwich put a team of academy and senior players who didn't travel to Germany out. I'll watch both teams with interest.

My local team, Fakenham Town, haven't started their pre-season yet...

I know...

2010-07-02T18:14:00.001+01:00

...it's almost a month since I've written! I have excuses...reasons, but I won't bore you with those!

Except, we went to a wonderful wedding in Kent. The bride was beautiful, and very "princessy", which is what she always wanted. And we went to my sister's brilliant party...also in Kent, and had a great time!

So, the rest...seems at my team's headquarters things they are a changing! Some departures have been announced, with second goalkeeper leaving for Motherwell where he's been guaranteed the number one shirt in a three year deal...I'm sure that will help his international aspirations (Ireland), instead of signing a one year contract with us. Spring(released anyway) going to Leyton Orient... Stuart Fleetwood off to Hereford...after numerous loan deals with clubs. The Nicky Bailey saga goes on, with a deal imminent for his move to Middlesbrough...this is money we sorely need. Jonjo Shelvey already at Liverpool, with a far better manager now than the one he signed for! I always had a "what if" feeling about Roy Hodgson, us rather than Fulham...if only!! Steve Gritt is leaving...an unfortunate casualty in the monetary reality of League One football. He will be sorely missed, by all...he was a Charlton stalwart and had been there longer than some fans! Another Steve...this time Waggott, who left this week...and redundancy warnings have been announced too, not actuality yet, but it's a nasty feeling having hanging over you! Yassin Moutaouakil has had his contract terminated...so a weight off our wage bill! We have signed our youngster Alex Stavrinou on a one year contract...and also, I'm glad, Chris Solly. Two good young players, and with the new rules of youngsters who signed for a club three years before their twenty first birthday being in the squad, these two are positive news. It's reported that Frazer Richardson and Jose Semedo both came back to training this week...and it's players of experience in the mix of youngsters we need. We can't go out and sign a relatively "big name", but if we carefully blend youth with experience we could hold our own next season, and surprise those doubters! One thing that makes me feel as though I'm chewing feathers is...we're financially tight...squeaky tight, but we're still there...others have gone into administration and bounced out...if not smelling of roses, at least still alive. You tell me that's right!

Oh, and I won't be watching the World Cup final, nor either of the Wimbledon finals...ce la vie! As they say in France!

It's strange...

2010-06-06T22:38:00.001+01:00

...who you meet in your local shop.

Having gone to one of the local village's shops yesterday, I found the owner and a regular customer chatting about the coming World Cup and the Rio injury. Being a person who can't resist a conversation about football...or most other sports either, I made a small comment, and found they both thought a certain Darren Bent should have gone instead of Emile Heskey. I then found I was talking to someone whose nephew played with Darren at Charlton. Thinking through who it could be, I discovered it was another Darren...Darren Ambrose. It was mentioned that it was no surprise he didn't flourish at Charlton, as he was consistently played out of his favoured position, by all the managers...and as soon as he went to Warnock he rediscovered his niche in his best position...and is now happy.

Apart from that, wallpaper is being stuck to walls, paint is being brushed onto wood, a garden is being weeded and glass is being wrapped around mandrels!

...and another week starts....speculation within the wider Charlton blogging world is rife, and at the end of the week we'll all settle down to see how far all the teams get. Maybe ours will raise a trophy just as the cricket team did.

We'll see!

Another busy...

2010-05-24T23:28:00.002+01:00

...and gloriously sunny weekend.

We started by painting the ceiling of our "new" kitchen...and now it's all white, rather than an off white flavoured with an underlay of green shades.

Then off to town(Fakenham) as the monthly Farmer's Market was in full swing, arriving just as some were packing away. If you're around on the fourth Saturday of a month it's well worth a visit...with stalls as diverse as Norfolk wine, to handmade willow baskets, bread, cakes(the nice lady gave us two slices of each), plants...meat, fish...veggies, handmade shoes, bird seed...etc... We did pick up some bits we wanted, including a perfect willow basket for the kitchen...then into the church for the Craft Market...there I bought a little box for a forthcoming project, and a "love" cushion for the spare bedroom(I'm making the rest, but couldn't resist the little embroidered butterflies).

Like most towns we have a local department store, here it's Aldiss, and sells things from sofas to towels...and even has a chocolate factory outlet (Kinnertons) in the corner. Anyway, another bargain was found...and we came away with a knocked about "posh" kitchen trolley, for a fraction of the original price! Chipped paint after having a bit of sandpaper brushed over it, gives just the right look.

So a successful visit....

On my way into and from town I pass a fellow bloggers home, and as she was having an Open Studio weekend, (also the next two)...we used the excuse and went to visit. Debbie Osborn Art and Design

is a genius at making things from the unusual, as well as a creative artist...and makes the most sublime and welcomed elderflower cordial...for which I must get her recipe! Being followed around her garden by Louise, Martha, Miriam and Tildy(I think that's right!), with Katie hiding in the undergrowth having a squawk at us... I'm sure they were checking Debbie wasn't going too far from sight. We wish her and Mr O the best with the open weekends.

And then home to check the ceiling...fine! Dig...paint...finish plinths...cheer Blackpool...

Now all that's left to finish is to hang the lining paper and paint...plus find a piece of wood!

I'm trying...

2010-05-18T10:02:00.001+01:00

...to rake up enough enthusiasm and energy to walk to work, I did work until midnight last night, having given myself the evening off to watch my team in the League One play off semi final, we lost on penalties having gone into the second leg behind and having then played ourselves into a lead last night, we had a loose moment in defence and their eighteen year old became a hero for the second match, to draw them level. I hate penalty shoot outs, I always have...some say they give the game excitement, but I've always detested them, ever since their inception. So it's not sour grapes because we lost, and I'm not sure how you'd replace them either...I'm not a mover and shaker within the game! Maybe the third team should be promoted...in this case Millwall, after all they did get the points! Okay, so shoot me!

So now, where does that leave my beloved team...if you read certain accounts, from certain papers...we have a whistle blower...since when have we had those? We had always been a friendly, family orientated, well run club...held up as such, but now we have, reportedly, a whistle blower?! Or cause for one...which is more to the point! I'm sure some will take great delight in that...but, as supporters of the game of football, not your or my specific allegiance, we have to wonder where this game of ours is going. With parachute payments for the clubs coming down from the Premier League set to rise to £48m over four years from £16m over two, where exactly does that leave everyone else!? We know from experience being relegated is expensive, trying to cut your cloth accordingly for the income of a lower league, and those contracts with players and managers are signed in blood it seems....air tight, water tight, and fireproof! And if you subsisted on the weekly turnover of the Premier League...you might be lucky if you can keep your team together for a push straight back, probably though you couldn't. Then you need to gather together a team to be ready for the next season, that bouncing straight back...but, you have to have them in place, playing together from the outset...and that's not always possible, throw in some injuries during a season and...you see where this goes... That £48m even at £12m a year is a good starting point to keeping your team or the nucleus of it, together. Go lower and what's happened to Leeds over the last few years shows what can happen. To get the right manager with the right players at the right time...it's expertise, isn't it? Or maybe just plain luck!

So last night...Nicky Bailey missed one penalty, one shot of the game...one second in a lifetime. It was cruel...he was devastated...but, at least he was brave enough to put himself there, to place that ball on that little white spot and try... Me? I wouldn't have even been able to pick the ball up, let alone run and kick the thing.

So I hope he'll be there next season to lead, but I have a feeling he won't be...I hope the team that played their hearts out last might will be there, but they won't be, either returning to their home clubs from loan...or moving on. And please don't say Liverpool to me! What about our youngsters?

Okay, now I'm walking to work!

However...

2010-05-13T23:17:00.001+01:00

...did I have time to go out to work!

I spent the morning making beads, including these focals...

The two different types of glass I've used give the beautiful metallic finish, when heated differently in the flame. I love making focals...I don't do that enough!

I top-dressed my herb garden...spread some muck about!

Put some chicken wire along the top of the fence behind our summer house, as the horse in the field that wraps around two sides of our garden, could put his head over and was chewing the back window ledge on the summer house.

Cleaned and finished the beads made this morning...

Normal house things in between...and chasing up some of the new kitchen bits.

....though I did get some time to do some embroidery when my dinner was cooking!

I know how I get more time these days...it's being content doing what I do!

I'm a...

2010-05-08T20:19:00.001+01:00

...newbie again!

I've just put my first item on Folksy. http://www.folksy.com/shops/EithneGlass

I know it's only one item with one photo, but I have to change my way of cropping pictures so they're square...but it's there... ;)

Su's Charmed...

2010-05-01T22:07:00.001+01:00

...By Charlton

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned I was interviewed by Gary Haines for the Charlton programme, and this was printed in the one for the Carlisle game. It's been mentioned that not everyone got to the game...and would I please print the interview...so...here goes.

She may live deep in Canaries territory, but the Addicks will always be precious to one long-serving supporter from Fakenham. Gary Haines finds out about her unique jewellery collection and penchant for Peacock blue.

There's been plenty to cheer about for fans in Norfolk this season, with Norwich City seemingly destined for an immediate return to the Championship.

But one creative supporter from the region remains proud of her red and white heritage, and is hoping Charlton can follow suit in the campaign's closing weeks.

Jewellery designer Su Mose is happy to broach the subject of her Addicks heroes at any time.

A former season-ticket holder who lived on the borders of Belvedere, Erith and Bexleyheath before relocating to Fakenham last year, she was first charmed by Charlton in 1963/64.

"My allegiance comes from my Dad, who took me to a game against Manchester City when I was eight. I was immediately hooked."

"We used to stand on the Eastern Terrace, and from there I could shout at and cheer for Keith Peacock on the wing. I was never allowed near the Covered End, which is probably why I love being there now."

"It's quite funny, really; my Mum used to see Keith and his son Gavin when he visited his Mum's shop in Belvedere. A lady fainted once, and Keith was off grabbing a cold sponge and mopping her face. There were no delicate smelling salts- those were the days when a cold sponge healed all!"

Su, who runs Wayward Rose Jewellery, keeps in touch with Valley events mainly via the internet and the ever popular CAFC Player video website...

(it then goes on to the jewellery...you don't want that bit)...

Su, is hoping Charlton can clasp promotion come May - beating Norwich in the process.

"I was talking to a Norwich director last summer, and he smiled when he learned I supported Charlton. He said he forgave me, and suggested that we would get automatic promotion and they'd be in for a tough fight. I'm sure that he, like all their fans, is more than a little happy so far."

"Others who know of my allegiance smile indulgently at my folly, then go on to mention Grant Holt and Wes Hoolahan. With the home game coming soon, I'd love to have some bragging rights, so I'm really hoping for a win."

Well, we can't have everything, now can we.

I hope Mr Haines doesn't mind the reprinting...and please don't work out the age thingy...it takes all the mystery away!!

How nice it is...

2010-04-29T17:49:00.000+01:00

...to have nice neighbours. Those ones who take a parcel in when you're out or don't hear the bell, then offer to help carry it because it's rather large, and those who you share a pot of tea with...and those you just know enough to share a nod, wave and smile with...

...and then there are those...

...who put a mobile horse shelter behind your summerhouse...

...even though they have a large (about two acres) field to put it in...

...and as it's a mobile agricultural building, in an agricultural field there it stays. It had been suggested that these particular neighbours could do something somewhere...as they have already to others, they seem to have a reputation for riding rough shod over others.

On a brighter note, the dolls house you can see in the window(I reshuffled the interior) my Dad made for me when I was about four. The poor thing needs some tlc...but it's all there and not broken, just the chimney stack a little loose and some new paper needed. I can still remember opening it that Christmas, and then all the furniture... To say I was excited...like moving into your own new house!

I've also been busy making some new pieces...along with some beads...

...and I see that my team have sold a young asset. Liverpool have bought Jonjo Shelvey... A midfielder who will no doubt warm the bench eventually!

I found another...

2010-04-27T00:25:00.000+01:00

...ball to juggle. The area of garden behind the "new" kitchen (when it's finished), there was a raised area laid to gravel, leading up to another smaller area of paving, and then the hedge and walnut tree. It's hidden beside the summer house, a little suntrap.

On Friday I decided to start scraping the gravel away, moving it to the side paths(waste not), cleaning the paving...renewed the little stone wall finding two curled lizards under there and then sat and watched the wildlife come and go. Big bustling bumble bees finding a hidy hole in the stump of an old tree, birds of all varieties collecting bugs from the newly tumbled stones, two blue tits testing my winter raised house for them, the pair of robins back and forth to their nest and a climax of coming eye to eye with a little brown mouse...I was on my hands and knees at the time pulling up the old weed inhibitor. The sun rose on Saturday and we dragged some paving into place to make two paths, like the rays of the sun...next I started the digging, finding little pieces of pottery of varying colours. Finding those, you wonder whose lives they touched, how they slipped to be broken and when they were strewn on the garden and buried...

Now I have the start of a herb garden...chives, thyme are already planted. Sorrel, tarragon, flat parsley, sage, fennel, and chamomile are waiting to find a home, with mint and lemon balm staying in large pots. A few sweet peas will trail up a wigwam this year, nasturtiums will tumble over the wall and a sprinkling of bright calendula will wend their way between...

Now...just the rest of the garden to deal with!

A special...

2010-04-19T11:01:00.002+01:00

...day was Friday. It was our wedding anniversary, and to say it celebrated a few years would be an understatement. Not as many as some, but a fair few. The day was saddened though by the passing of an old family friend. The day he should've been celebrating his 90th birthday he passed away. A grand age, but a sad day...

The skies above us have been quiet. We have some noise from the odd passing fighter jet, but these with commercial airlines have been stopped from flying here...so, if this affects you and your holiday, you have my sympathy...if like my youngest son you live near an airport, you can make the most of these few days of respite. Commercially damaging I know, but for those who live near them...just a few days of peace.

I'm not sure how many balls I have in the air at present. Juggling maybe an art, and in reality it's not something I have ever been able to do, but with projects...I can cope. The kitchen is nearly complete, the taps are on their way and the worktops should be measured this week. A new (old) cupboard entered our lives on Saturday, when we visited Steptoes in Dereham and fell in love with an old oak four door cupboard, perfect for crockery and linens. Skirtings went on over the weekend, plumbing in place, so now all I need are three strong men here at the same time and the larder can go upright, rather than laying forlornly on it's side...waiting. We're getting there.

A downside to the weekend, my team lost...they should've won if the pictures were anything to go by, but the opposing goalkeeper had one of those matches, where everything he touched(and he touched a lot) went away...I knew he'd be our downfall this match, but I guess it makes the locals around here happy...so everyone should be going around with a smile on their face. Maybe Delia will make a celebratory cake. An annoying thing about it...those teams around us all dropped points too, so we could've climbed. Hey ho!!

Last Sunday...

2010-04-13T23:17:00.001+01:00

...we visited Sandringham(sounds posh eh?!). It's only twenty minutes away and had a three day Food and Craft Show, which is always a good reason to visit anywhere.

It's the first time we've been there, we had fun and met some great and interesting people. There was a lady who makes wonderful corn dollies. I now have an Earth Mother sitting above my head, she's perched on a beam looking at home. The lady also makes the most amazing brooches, all from straw and so intricate...she was saying she makes them during the winter, when she can concentrate...and when they're gone she doesn't make anymore until the next winter. The couple came from Leicestershire.

We also came home with a Wensleydale rug...hand woven in Norfolk by Mr Townsend, and all curly and soft and beautiful. He was saying it takes him about a week to make them... A lady who makes the most wonderful soaps...Mad About Nature(she blogs)...she had an organic deodorant stick. I'm trying it out!

So many other crafts were there. Woodturners...hurdlemakers...chairmakers...calligraphy...windvanes...knitters...glass blowing...and so much more... So many of these shows and festivals don't have proper craft people, this did...and well worth the visit...

And I might be winning with the bunnies...

Sometime ago...

2010-04-08T20:11:00.005+01:00

...I received an email, of which the contents came as more than a little surprise! This was the middle of January...

After picking myself up off the floor, and taking a few days to think about things, I replied...giving a positive answer.

It then went quiet for nearly two months, and I thought that was it. Suddenly another email arrived apologising for the delay, and was I still okay for things.

My correspondent was a guy called Gary Haines, and to lots that will mean absolutely nothing...to a few they'll recognise the name. A couple more emails passed between us, and it led to me being featured in my team's programme, on the "Fan Focus" page for the Monday game against Carlisle.

Yes, that was me.

I think I'm still in shock...

PS...we also won!

Living opposite...

2010-03-29T20:46:00.007+01:00

...the church makes it easy when trying to direct people to our cottage.

It's also a pretty view or it is if I look sideways, as the church itself is slightly to one side. Opposite is the churchyard...there's no wall, and the ground is about three foot or so higher than the floor of our cottage, so I have a view of the headstones. At Christmas a delivery of several Christmas wreaths were laid at different stones, then a couple of weeks ago a bunch of red roses were laid at one closest. Now there are little bunches of daffodils popping their heads through the soil bringing a brightness to the grassy expanse.

I understand there's no electricity...oil brings the only illumination, and no regular services. It is still consecrated though. It has some very special murals inside dating back nearly five hundred years.

St Andrew's

In reading a book by a previous owner of our cottage, I note he was told that St Andrews lies on a ley line with a ley stone outside it's porch.

These are...

2010-03-26T17:08:00.005Z

...what arrived yesterday. I just kept a smile on my face all day.

My door and floorboard bench, sitting waiting for the finishing touches.

I'll be making a cushion for it, and maybe a bit of polish...but, I'm thinking about that.

These boxes also arrived...

...with a few more out of shot. These are the start of the working side of the kitchen...sink and cupboards. I think you can just see a hint of the colour?! You can just see the colour charts balanced on one of the boxes. Which one to colour the walls...and doors. So many choices...and so little time.

I was also busy making some necklaces. A friend has a boutique just outside Norwich, part of which is the sale and hire of Prom dresses, and she asked if I could make some necklaces to put with the dresses...so...making some simple beads I put together some necklaces for her. I'll photo these and show a bit of sparkle...every girl needs a bit of sparkle for her party.

The bunny battle still continues. I'm down to only having one hole reopened each morning now, and I see there are two holes in the field next door, so I'm hoping they're gradually getting the idea. Otherwise, the whole area is due for a dig over. I only want them to move slightly...just a matter of ten yards...I do.

The finished...

2010-03-24T21:12:00.004Z

....kitchen slate floor...

Tomorrow the couple of units arrive and the strange door bench. Then we have to decide about worktops.

After making...

2010-03-23T21:41:00.003Z

...some beads this morning(burning my arm in the process, as the rod spanked and shot a sliver of red hot glass up my sleeve!), and waving good bye to the tiler who has finished the floor(photos to follow), I pulled some weeds, looked for another rabbit hole...as a baby bunny was nibbling the grass and my pansies, which I still can't find, did some ironing. Then feeling kind of bored I wanted to discover what was making such a smell on the stairs, so up came the carpet which is now sitting outside waiting to be thrown. Now if I thought I would discover beautiful( I didn't) wooden stairs...I'd have to think again. There, all old, bent...worn, painted brown, nails and staples everywhere, were my bare stairs, but I did discover the smell...it went out when the carpet went.

Now what to do with those stairs!

This is...

2010-03-22T22:42:00.002Z

...where we walked yesterday...Holkham Beach
Through the pines behind the dunes, then down to the sea...paddling in wellies...

If you're ever this way, it's worth the visit... You can always park in the village and walk down the lane...

Next time I will take the camera!

A little bit...

2010-03-21T17:18:00.006Z

...of slate floor...

it just needs cleaning and grouting on Monday, and then sealing on Tuesday...I'll be a smiley person then.

And what a week of sunshine we had, so taking full advantage of the beautiful weather I've been cutting, digging and beginning planting. Now old shrubs have gone, dotted around in piles, waiting for recycling...

My little recycled brush fence, which now has some hawthorn hedging growing by it.

It's been a good weekend...finished today with a walk along Holkham Beach...twenty or so minutes from home and I can be paddling in the sea! Today was wearing wellies!

Have I mentioned...

2010-03-20T20:31:00.006Z

...the oak refractory table we've got? It belonged to my brother-in-law's father, and they wanted to lose it after it was "renovated", with someone varnishing it with polyurethane; now it's a beautiful pale orange, and very ugly. We know her beauty is under there, it just needs a little persuading to show itself again.

This table will go into the new kitchen, as it's just the right height for me to use for mixing, kneading, rolling, reading, writing, sewing...(you get my idea...), it's going to be the centre and today we found a chair for it, or rather a little settle. Walking through Swaffham from Saturday's market...with fruit pies, hawthorn for hedging, and three primula Victoriana....

...we found a maker in pine of free-standing pieces, and amongst all the new he uses reclaimed floorboards and doors. This is what our "new" settle is...a door and some floorboards! It's dented, has old paint flakes still attached, but it's beautiful, and so much fun.

He delivers it this week...and then you can see...

After that some wax, oil and elbow grease...with a couple of handmade cushions and voila, our first kitchen chair.

Then we came home and I listened to my team's commentary. Another bad day,, and although we didn't lose, we didn't win and listening to it, we found it tough going. This is after it being said it was a "must win" game. To make things worse (if possible), our local rivals can go above us if they win on Monday, when they play second placed Leeds. So, which is worse? A guess a draw would be best...

Also the club sadly announced the death of an old player. Bob Curtis played in the late 60s and early 70s. One of the players I can remember cheering. He had been ill for sometime, but still an unhappy event.

Our new...

2010-03-17T21:42:00.003Z

...kitchen floor is nearly complete. Large slate slabs are being laid to make our two rooms one. Just a few edging ones to do then sealing, grouting and then sealing again to bring them to their full glory. At present they're dusty, dull and waiting... Our floor was a lovely mismatch of levels, and now only slopes gently, well we are talking old cottage... Totally reliant on the two men who've been laying it. A young man and his father-in-law, who have worked hard...in amongst the copious cups of tea and coffee I've made. Then next week a couple of cupboards are due to be delivered... Slowly we're getting there

I've been searching out old...or handmade bolts and latches ready for repainted doors, as those in place are those DIY store versions. It's a shame at some stage all the original pieces have disappeared and now the cottage is owed a little respect and dignity...

Whilst the floor is being laid I've been fighting the garden. Old shrubs have been attacked with vigour, trimmed and when needed, dug out. Grass has been taken from old flower beds, and little sprouts from bulbs now show. I made a small wattle fence, not your full hazel or willow one, but with the cuts from the shrubs(waste not want not), and this has plugged a hole in our hedge where a large bushy tree was cut down, before we moved in, and I must say I'm quite proud of myself. I've also been fighting rabbits. We have burrows in the garden, it might be a whole warren, but the little dears eat anything remotely green and within reach. So yesterday I started the fight back, closing all holes in the garden, leaving them the main one in the outside bank. This morning most of the holes were back...so, fork in hand they were closed again. Tomorrow I'm guessing they'll be back...and the fight for my garden will go on. I want to plant flowers...I like flowers, but if they're nibbled back...it'll be a waste of time and energy. So the rabbits have to go...humanely. They have large fields next door if they want house room, and all the grass they could want to nibble.

I refuse to say anything about last Saturday and football...apart from...*sigh*

A strange thing...

2010-03-09T22:18:00.003Z

...happened on the way. Well not quite to the Forum, but you know what I mean, now don't you?!

There was I quipping about cupcakes in my last post and an invite came my way to a T and Cupcakes morning at a friend's boutique, in support of the Haiti appeal. So down to Norwich we went, and a beautiful (and tasty) array of cupcakes were before us...we just had to try some, and I can personally recommend the orange and cranberry, and the lemon ones. Then popping though my post box comes a note saying I've won nine cupcakes in their raffle...I did say the cakes were sublime, now didn't I?! All I have to do is find someone or two, to share nine cupcakes with!

Know anyone?!

Tomorrow...

2010-02-28T19:43:00.003Z

...with love!
Tomorrow we at last have an electrician coming to get the work done. A new consumer unit...or the old fashioned name of a fuse box, as I know it as, and lights to glow...
The "new" kitchen is now cleared. All the old fixtures have been taken out...the old plastic ill fitting double glazing is now sitting outside in the rain. We also had to dig up a cement doorstep just to get our french doors open, as they'd been screwed shut, and then those screws covered by cement and steel... years of wallpaper is in the throes of coming off the walls...
....then, the AGA is being built on Thursday...so Friday I can...bake...bake...bake!! You did want cupcakes, now didn't you!

Have you been watching the Winter Olympics? I have...well, some of it and had a great time, even with our one gold, a brilliant win in the ladies skeleton for Amy Williams...and tonight is the final medal...ice hockey, and with both Canadian and American friends...who do I cheer for?!

Just one...

2010-02-08T20:42:00.003Z

...little socket is all we need, but now, if you want one in a kitchen you have to have an electrician who has his part P2...which is fair enough. Then, when you ask someone to come and give you a price for the work, and he goes white at the sight of your fuse box...starts trembling, then you know you're in trouble. To get all technical, it seems our RDC..breaker is one they discovered fifteen years after they were fitted, that they don't actually break....or trip. So now, we need to have that changed before we can have our one little socket fitted...
But...it's all for a good cause...I keep telling myself....it is!

The wait and weight of snow...we lost our telephone connection over the weekend, so with BT summoned, a "little man that does", arrived this morning. After testing what we'd tested, he found the fault was fifteen metres from the house and not with our apparatus. So pulling the ladder from his van, putting his warm clothing on, he shimmied up the telegraph pole, telling me that the whole connection needed to be rebuilt. There he stood, strapped to the pole...and the snow had waited for him...blowing round his ears until he'd finished and came back to the warm to test again, and there...a tone, and a crackleless one at that. It was probably the weight of snow before Christmas which started the issue, the crackles. But, much to my Mum's relief I'm back. She loves worrying about us all...she's a wonderful gem.

A little bit...

2010-02-04T21:26:00.004Z

...of silver.

I decided yesterday to mix my lamp-work style necklaces with my chain designs, and these are the result...

Above is a necklace of my lamp-work beads of a mingled green and amber glass, with mid amber and sterling silver spacers, with a large agate pendant I found a couple of years ago and had never got to use...

This one is made from cobalt blue lamp-work beads with a drop of white and cobalt, finished with silver beads...

I must admit, I'm more than a little pleased with them...

You have...

2010-02-02T21:42:00.006Z

...to love the colours...

Seashell Pink

Shadow Grove

Pale Blue

Dark Ivory

and Mint...

It's been good getting back into the swing of things, after so long of just jogging along. I've missed making these little pearls of colour.

2010-02-01T21:45:00.005Z

A bright and beautiful day today...some new beadies on the way, but to start...the pale blue is a beautiful German glass, which is lovely to work with....swirled over purest white.

Such a pretty lilac ribbon runs through these crystal clear beads.

A focal swirled with fine silver, you can see melted into the glass.

All for sale in my Etsy shop...

The sun...

2010-01-28T22:20:00.002Z

...made a short appearance today, and as there's nothing quite the same as the smell of freshly aired washing after blowing in the fresh air, I made my way across our garden with a basket of bits. Pegging it out, and looking to see if there were any hints of fresh buds on trees, I wandered back across the lawn.
Now I'm a snowdrop addict, I love the little white nodding heads...and I've been looking for evidence there are some in my new garden...today, I found two...hardly showing they're so low to the lawn, but they're there! Now I know that though we've still two months of winter left, it won't be long 'til spring, and a whole new discovery of the garden will unfold.

...and the battle of the bunnies will start this weekend. We have a rabbit warren in the garden, and they're eating anything that's still green, but before new plants are planted they need to be dealt with. They're under part of an old small shrubbery which is on it's way out, so I'm hoping that disturbs them enough to send them over...or under the fence and into the field next door.

A slow...

2010-01-20T14:29:00.005Z

...process, but this is how our "new" kitchen looks at present.

The dark door is the old bakers oven, which now houses the boiler. The radiator is going...

The old doors and missing wall...

And now it's one....

The quarry tiles are on the same(or nearly) level as the concrete, so hopefully can be tiled over.

At least I've got a kitchen I can still use...

It's all in...

2010-01-19T20:02:00.005Z

...a day, as they say.

They also say...football's a funny old game!

On a day when West Ham have new owners, with the revelations of how deep their debt was, what the plans for their future are...Portsmouth have lost their court case against delaying a winding up order. Those gentleman on television talk of a change in the city of Manchester. I would think there'd have to be a bit more history before that happens...money doesn't history buy. My team...Charlton, have announced no price increase for next season tickets, if bought before the end of March, and the availability of some five hundred five year season tickets, and PP said Nicky Bailey wasn't going anywhere!

I'm sitting multi-tasking...writing, listening and watching...and cheering!

Also one of my local teams, who went out of business before Christmas, are being resurrected. Their new owner is the owner of the King's Lynn Speedway team...so out of disaster a new future comes for King's Lynn...

I've been busy making my little spacers in a variety of colours...they're the little beads which can be used in many ways.

And the wall...

2010-01-12T20:36:00.005Z

...came tumbling down.

Over the weekend we knocked nails out, cut holes in plasterboards, pulled wood apart, dismantling the stud wall between the old utility room and the small sitting room, and removing the frames and doors to the two rooms. Now I stand in delight at the light which pours through the stained glass french doors, and leaded light windows to a much nicer space.

Now we have to decide, do we replace a door, or do we leave it open to the little hallway which leads to it.

Next step...rebuild a small piece of wall, and remove a radiator!

Exciting...isn't it!?

And the football goes on.

I'm wondering what makes one club any different to another!?

Portsmouth (who are losing to Coventry as I type) owe several millions to other clubs, HMRC, have been late in paying their players several times this season...and had until 5pm today to pay some of the money to the clubs owed for transfers already completed(at present they're not allowed into the transfer market)...they didn't make it, so now the Premier League are deciding how to divvy up the £7m television money owed to Portsmouth between those clubs who they owe. Portsmouth have asked for the money to be given to them...as a loan? Now what makes this club any different in their debt to that of a local Norfolk club which disappeared just before Christmas, as King's Lynn were wound up. The size of debt is hugely more, both have fans...players and a long history...so, is it just because one is a league club and the other a non-league club?

It's a cold, tough world out there, and unless you can find yourself a sugar daddy with true and deep pockets..who also understands and loves football, it'll get tougher for more clubs. The above is just that little visible tip of the iceberg...with the Titanic sailing steadily towards it.

Next Monday...

2010-01-11T19:32:00.004Z

...a new football programme debuts - Late Kick Off.

Aimed at the Football League teams within their regions, my local East Anglian programme is fronted by ex-Ipswich player...or at least that's how the local news magazine show advertised it. Me? I think of him as an ex-Charlton star...a hero...and someone I always thought of as a gentleman.

Matty Holland has a new job, and he's the face in front of the East Anglian cameras dealing with our local teams. So, if you're an Ipswich, Colchester, Peterborough, MKDons, Southend, oh! or a Norwich supporter...then he's the man for you...I'll be watching even though he's not reporting on my team, I'll be spying.

The regional programmes start at 11:35 on Monday 18th January on BBC1...dealing not with just the football on the pitch, but the clubs behind the scenes.

In amongst everything I see Norwich also made a statement upping their debt by £5m...to £22.?m...

A favourite...

2010-01-08T17:07:00.003Z

...colour. I think this is my favourite glass to use. It just reacts quite naturally to the heat from my torch, and depending how you do that you get the most wonderful colours...

I call it Shadow Grove

The moving...

2010-01-06T23:23:00.005Z

...of rooms has started. Our present kitchen is small, dark and not very nice, and one thing we decided on when buying our cottage was to move it.

We have two rooms that have light pouring into them all day, and have a view of the garden...rather than the churchyard opposite. The water is already there, as one is a tiny utility room, and with a thin partition wall between that and a small sitting room, which we'll never use as one...we can take it down with ease, and open this space up.

Well, we've ordered ourselves some units...just a couple for the sink and a larder cupboard. The kitchen is my one extravagance, I've been saving for it. I had an AGA previously, and that's it...the man comes in a weeks time for the survey. Oh, to get back to one...I can't wait!

We have a large hand built oak table, which needs some work, but will be beautiful once the orange modern varnish is removed...we were lucky in acquiring it. That will be the main surface in the kitchen, and over time we'll find ourselves an old cupboard for crockery, odd dining chairs...and the bits and pieces that gradually makes it mine....

My minds eye has a picture, now I just need to make it happen.

Seems my team's Saturday match is in doubt. After the pre-Christmas big freeze and snow, we now have the next. Though we've only had a sprinkling here so far, further south is suffering...my brother in law did not make it home from work tonight... My team is in South East London...and that's quite white, and though the ground staff team have worked hard, it will be decided before the weekend, but it looks as though a postponement is more than a possibility. This comes hard on last weekends postponement, which saw Norwich catching...and over-taking us on goal difference. Do we need this match to keep us sharp, or the postponement to get some of our injured players back?! Do we need Norwich to get a points difference too? They've signed two players this week too...we've extended a defenders loan spell until the end of January...

Some additional pieces of jewellery were added to my Etsy jewellery shop tonight...some simple "Little Misses" bracelets, and adults bracelets and necklaces...

My wish...

2009-12-31T23:53:00.004Z

...is that everyone has a wonderful new year, and the happiest of coming years.

May your life be full and glorious...

May your business succeed, may your home be happy...and may our team win.

Happy 2010, one and all...

We are...

2009-12-21T11:18:00.005Z

...on the whole a resilient bunch. When you live in the middle of nowhere, you don't expect to see the gritter lorry pass your door, so you're not disappointed, you just get on with life. The local farmer gets his plough and digs a way through the top layer of snow, you go for walks, meeting neighbours, following tracks, until the sun is shining enough to venture into cars and travel.

We don't have anything as easy as snow chains, we just slide our way out.

Now the main road you do hope the grit lorry might have found that, but here...no, no such luck, so you slide your way, albeit a little faster, towards the lights of town.

New snow I can deal with, it's the ice and the promise of cold nights and bitter mornings that keeps me huddled in my village.

So I'm discovering delicious sounding paint colours for the rooms in our cottage, thinking of kitchens(we're moving it), the one we have at the moment is the only room that doesn't get any sun, so is naturally dark, with dark brown floor tiles, and dirty wooden units(and smells, however much I clean)...and warming myself on a reclaimed AGA sometime next year. It's going to the back of the house where the sun pours through windows and stained glass french doors...we're knocking a small sitting room through to a tiny utility room, to make one reasonably sized kitchen...having free standing furniture...reclaimed mostly...we've found a great shop in Dereham called Steptoes, who only sell second hand furniture...and pieces picked up as we go...

Then there's the outside to paint...and the sitting rooms...and the...oh, I've loved moving!

I should...

2009-12-18T10:44:00.005Z

...have had a new electric meter installed today, alas he couldn't make it down our road...and this is why...

Our garden..

Our cottage

St Andrews and lane

St Andrews

A rather beautiful reason...though next week would've been nicer, and we would have had an "official" white Christmas...and as I type, the snow is falling again.

Our cottage...

2009-12-18T10:28:00.005Z

...I promised some photos...and gradually I'm getting there...

When the drawing room extension was built, the owner had the wonderful idea of placing this in the corner, it looks out over the entrance to the house, and sparkles in the evening...

We have no idea who and when this was placed in the cottage...a "yet to be discovered" element...I love puzzles...

And our fireplace...or inglenook, and in this weather, a warm refuge.

Several...

2009-12-18T09:38:00.004Z

...weeks ago, or rather months ago, I was asked if I'd make some bracelets as presents for a wife and a mum. With the move and some photos of colours coming, the making was delayed, but now they've been sent and approved, I'm happy to say.

My brief was to complement a ring and necklace of sparkling gems, so gathering the colours together I made the below crystal charm bracelet...

I do love this silver heart chain, it just gives a special touch...don't you think? Especially for a wife...

And Mum, I was told, likes bold, black and white and chunky...so the two below were designed and made...

And I have a happy camper...hoping the recipients are as happy...

Thank you...

At last...

2009-12-10T08:01:00.002Z

...I've met another neighbour. The couple who live on the corner, which is next door. They have the post box outside, and when I had cards to post and saw the lady of the house hanging her washing...I had to say hi.

They were very nice...we had a chat about this and that in the village, which houses are holiday homes (which seems the majority are). I'll be interested to see who comes for Christmas...and about the Carol Service on Christmas Eve and all back to the manor house for nibbles after. One thing she did hint at though, our lady of Norfolk has put her house on the market! And yes, sure enough it is.

My home is beginning to sparkle. I've got my tree all decorated and lit, and anyone who knows me will tell you, this is early for me...and the logs were delivered earlier this week, and now I have fires in the evening, keeping us all snug...

How happy and contented life is, when you know you've done the right thing...

Yesterday...

2009-12-01T21:17:00.006Z

...was the first visit to Norwich since we've moved. It's strange how being a "local" gives you a whole new view of a city, and you don't feel as though you've got to cram the whole city into one visit, that you can make another visit next week.

In our visiting around we were looking at sofas, for next year you understand! Ha...it doesn't work like that, now does it!? We have two sitting rooms, one has beams, and our current furniture is great for the traditional feel, the other room is a newer extension...and that's where we needed the sofa for....and this is the one we've found...it's not as matt grey as this photo, it's more slubbed and mottled greys...and is in fact a sofa-bed with a proper mattress...
It's coming early February...so I need to get my pots of paint out! The fabric for the blinds is(at present) going to be..."Silver Birch"...again not as grey as this shows, but with a more creamy grey background.

The windows are reasonably large and give views right through the garden. With wooden flooring, a large chunky rug...and splashes of colour brought in...it wasn't going to be the first room thought of, but you just have to do these things sometimes, now don't you!

I've decided...

2009-11-26T09:15:00.002Z

...we've bought a house in it's very own "Brigadoon"...I'm sure everything will disappear at the new year.
Speaking to real locals in Fakenham, which is five miles away, they've never heard of our village. A cousin who was looking for the village before we moved in, asked a policeman there and he had to get his maps out to find it. Yesterday I had a delivery of glass via Parcelforce and she looked at me saying I could have had it Tuesday, but she couldn't find me...we're not on their records, though the normal post gets through, but then I get others too! The chimney sweep has never been here and he's lived three miles away all his life.
So, if you decide to stay in either of the two holiday cottages, or the bed and breakfast opposite, then make sure you come prepared to disappear...it might be a hundred years before you surface again!

It makes you...

2009-11-21T16:58:00.003Z

...wonder. I've discovered and heard about our Lady of Norfolk. It seems she's thinking of moving! Yes...you read that correctly...she's seriously looking at moving! Having had this house on the market for four years, and pulling out of several sales, she's now thinking about trying again. She must be very unhappy where she is, or...who knows!
At last I've placed an order for more glass. I didn't think it would happen, but having sorted everything out, I can now start ordering again...and making! My space is basic, but it's there...and with lots of natural light...and the frilly bits will happen soon enough.
I've been looking at colour charts...with only one room that I can think of decorating without any mending or changing, the smaller of our two bedrooms will get a facelift...I can only take ice blue for so long. I bought a beautiful pink mohair throw this week, and that will lead the colour change. I think pretty and feminine. Having sons, and grandsons, I now want pretty and feminine...something for the two young ladies in our family...and my sons lives. Just to keep things from getting too female orientated, I've also bought some polish and wax remover along with some wire wool...the lobby doors are in for a shock...
My team drew today...after having one Sodje sent off for a foul as the last man, his youngest brother scored our equaliser and could have scored again...I hope we have the chance to sign him in January....I think he'd be a good signing. We play Bristol Rovers on Tuesday...we need to keep the momentum going, stay ahead of the gathering pack, and not too far behind Leeds. Also a huge salute to every one of the Charlton fans(1700) who went to Yeovil today. Getting drenched in a stand with no cover, and cheering the team...thank you for flying the flag....

As the wind...

2009-11-14T16:14:00.002Z

...howls around my eyrie in the roof of our cottage(the upstairs is in the eaves), I'm sitting listening to the commentary from the Charlton match and getting my Etsy shops back up and running.

With the darkness gradually drawing the cosiness of our cottage closer, the trees dancing a frantic weaving dance, it makes me content that our house isn't very tall, and we're in a little hollow...where before the wind would whip down the fields behind of our old home, battering at it's back door, it whips over our new one. The fact our house has sat here for four hundred years, must mean it's fairly happy where it is.

Okay, having just been interrupted from my tapping by my hubby, Charlton have scored twice...we are now leading 5-1...let's hope this continues and gives them the confidence that's been sadly missing the last few games. It hasn't been luck, it's been good football even with the windy conditions and MKDons scoring first...

Opposite our cottage is the village church of St Andrews, and we've been told has a Christmas Eve carol service, when the church...as it hasn't electric supplied, is lit by oil lamps...so wrapped in jumpers, scarves, gloves, and thick socks...we'll be going...

My cinema...

2009-11-10T14:21:00.003Z

...the local one, is in Fakenham and is a very rare commodity. It's an independent and not affiliated to anyone or any others... It has three screens, though from the outside I'm still trying to work out where and how they're housed.

It shows the current crop of films, but has special one day screenings. You can get your popcorn, hire it...it has vouchers and accepts 2-1 Wednesdays...

I might try it...I fancy seeing Dorian Gray...

Wow!! What a time...

2009-11-06T13:09:00.004Z

...It was crazy moving, the removal people arrived Thursday to pack, and supposedly half load the lorry..except the starter motor had gone on our particular lorry...so they packed, and then had to finish packing and load Friday, the day of the move, with me cleaning each room as they vanished from it with the last box. Hectic wasn't in it!! The solicitor side of all went through fine, and I came up to get the key at about 3:00, meeting everyone else back at the house...our new home. The removers left at just after 6:00....having worked their socks off for two days. Our lady of Norfolk had left bits everywhere...towels, tablets...pictures, anyway, that's all packed up now, and we're mostly done. The bedrooms are sorted, so's the kitchen(no AGA and so small....lol), and the main sitting room, the one with the beams...I'll take a photo and show...at some stage...the other sitting room is home to what's left of the boxes, which is fine as we've got to get a sofa bed and bits for there...and everything needs decorating! It'll get sorted slowly...along with some new window frames and a moving kitchen...

I did have an interesting conversation with her solicitor when I collected the key....she only wanted to back out that last Monday! She visited her solicitor in floods of tears saying she didn't want to do it, it was a mistake...she was told a few home truths, like how much it would cost her...and no judge would find in her favour, as she'd had over six months to change her mind, and six weeks since exchange, he'd tell her to move anyway. I also found out she had the house on the market for four years on and off, others wanted it, but then she'd back out....I guess it was just waiting for me...and my bloody mindedness!

So....I'm back!!! Yup...definitely here! That's another of this moves stories! How many twists can there be, I hear you say!? Well, we did have a land-line for the first weekend, and then dear old BT cut us off! It took them ten days to re-establish the line...with a new number, and then our provider made us wait until Monday to take our order...and today is the first day back...in fact about half an hour ago is our first time back! Oh and if you know Norfolk, you know it hasn't got the greatest mobile reception in the world...so all the time BT are leaving messages on my phone, I'm running up to the end of the village to listen to them...

Oh, and the chimney's swept...so a log fire tonight. I don't care if it's not cold enough!!

Now all I've got to do is catch up with everyone and everything....think I might have a bit of reading to do!

Confirmation...

2009-10-14T07:03:00.004+01:00

....came in the form of a telephone call from our solicitor. Our lady of Norfolk is moving on Friday! She has signed the last of her papers, paid some fees she needed to...and friends and neighbours are helping her pack. So it seems we will have a home on Friday...

I'll be off to Fakenham to collect the key from her solicitor, whilst hubby waits for the removal lorry to appear...

We just need to take our key to our agents today, and then....our sons are coming to say goodbye to the house tomorrow evening. It's not where they were born, but they were twelve and ten when we moved here, it's where they met all the friends they have now, and if we hadn't moved here...I wouldn't have the two beautiful women in their lives...nor my two amazing grandsons.

My team play Huddersfield on Saturday, and after a bit of a stagnant time recently, three points gained would be good. It would take us top...as Leeds don't play until Monday, but will have two games in hand. We need to keep those nipping at our heels just there, behind us...so no giving free or easy points away...our support needs to be strong, the team need to know the supporters are with them, not picking holes in what's going on on the pitch...or decisions made. The game agains the Gills...Gillingham, will be interesting as there's no love lost...and we would like their front man to call our own, and they'd like one of ours. Unfortunately for different valuations...and they don't really want to lose theirs...though, if we're still strong at the January transfer window, that might swing the balance for the player...we'll see, we still have October, November and December to negotiate first...

Well, the computer gets dismantled tomorrow morning and with no access for awhile, I'll say adieu...wish everyone happiness, a lovely weekend...and may you all give me lots of reading to catch up with.

Take care
Love Su xx

PS...and the plans for Sunday...a walk on the beach.

She came...

2009-10-13T09:00:00.002+01:00

...she measured, and we had tea...

Our buyer came on Friday with her tape, having ordered some furniture to be delivered next week (it fits). We went over where the stopcock is, and how to light the Aga (sob)...how the boiler timer works, and...to show her where the heating thermostat is (their surveyor told them we didn't have one). She's so excited, having been in rented accommodation for two and a half years, when they originally thought it'd be for six months...

But, that visit made it all very real. I think because it's been so long in coming and we'd had so many issues and setbacks, it had become just something that was in the future. Well, that future is this Friday...

Oh boy!!!

You know...

2009-10-09T05:57:00.003+01:00

...when you titivate...just do what's necessary and not the whole. With the removal men coming on Thursday to pack most of the house into their lorry, we have a big clean planned for that evening, so my buyer is visiting today!

I could've said no...but that seemed a little churlish, so...anyone know where I left the vacuum!?

A plethera...

2009-10-06T08:48:00.003+01:00

...of phone calls yesterday, had us accused of having had the lady in Norfolk's phone cut off!

Several calls later...dear BT agreed we couldn't have done, as we don't own the number...and heaven forfend they got things wrong.

It seems they have our ownership of the line starting the 16th(as advised by us)...and we will have a completely new number(as she's taking the old with her), so no hint of ownership of the old. They are saying it had to come from Norfolk...they wouldn't have done anything on the say so of someone not listed as owning the number, and would've written warning of the impending cancellation. Who knows what to believe!

In amongst these conversations we have been given some slightly (still to be confirmed) good news though. It seems our lady of Norfolk is now looking forward to moving on the right date...having been advised how much it would cost her not to.

Hopefully by next weeks Friday evening we'll know, and be happily emptying boxes...though my husband tells me we are eating out!

Against...

2009-10-03T16:56:00.004+01:00

...the views of most of my teams regular bloggers, we earned a hard fought, well deserved draw against Leeds. Of course, I'd have loved a win...

But it's a good result (a win would've been icing)...it keeps us in touch with them and ahead of Bristol Rovers, who lost to Norwich.

No wonder Parky left the field with a smile on his face....I had a mirror version...

We've also nearly finished the clearing out. A hard working morning, several trips to the local tip and a load of old rubbish has gone. Also a call to one of the charities and some furniture we don't want to take with us will be going on Wednesday...we can begin to see the end...we just need to know we have a home to go to!